2008 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Ford Mustang 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 246 kg more than 2008 Ford Mustang.
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, 2008 Ford Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Ford Mustang | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Mustang | Cougar |
Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4000 cc | 3797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 210 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 325 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1356 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |