2008 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 27 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 5,667 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Buick LaCrosse (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 502 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, 2008 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2008 Buick LaCrosse (438 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Buick LaCrosse | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Buick | Mercury |
Model | LaCrosse | Cougar |
Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5667 cc | 3797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 300 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 438 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1356 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2690 mm |