2004 Kia Opirus vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Kia Opirus 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Opirus weights approximately 404 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.
Because 1981 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Kia Opirus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Kia Opirus (294 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Kia Opirus | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Opirus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2690 mm |
