2008 GMC Sierra vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 GMC Sierra 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 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 GMC Sierra (354 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 GMC Sierra weights approximately 785 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 GMC Sierra, 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 GMC Sierra (506 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 GMC Sierra | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Sierra | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5999 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 354 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 506 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2141 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6580 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2440 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 4250 mm | 2690 mm |
