2008 Chevrolet Lacetti vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Lacetti 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Lacetti (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Lacetti should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 76 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Lacetti.
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 Chevrolet Lacetti, 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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Lacetti. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Lacetti.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Lacetti | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Lacetti | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2690 mm |
