2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 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 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 379 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 653 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm) has 563 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5506 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2009 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2690 mm |
