2009 Citroen Xsara vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Citroen Xsara is newer by 28 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 16 kg more than 2009 Citroen Xsara. 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, 2009 Citroen Xsara, 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, 2009 Citroen Xsara (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen Xsara | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | Xsara | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2690 mm |
