1951 Ford Zephyr vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,262 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1951 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1951 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 164 kg more than 1951 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Ford Zephyr 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 1951 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ford Zephyr. 1999 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1951 Ford Zephyr has manual transmission. 1951 Ford Zephyr will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ford Zephyr | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Zephyr | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
