2008 Ford Taurus X vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus X 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 Ford Taurus X (264 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 279 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
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 Ford Taurus X, 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 Ford Taurus X (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Ford Taurus X | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Taurus X | Cougar |
Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 264 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 338 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1356 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2690 mm |