2007 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2007 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 26 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Jaguar XK8 (301 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 279 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, 2007 Jaguar XK8 (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Jaguar XK8 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercury |
| Model | XK8 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2080 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
