2004 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A 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 Mercedes-Benz A (134 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 86 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A.
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 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | A | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2032 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2690 mm |
