2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 396 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (369 Nm) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Thunderbird | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
