1956 Ford Consul vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Consul would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1956 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 318 kg more than 1956 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Consul 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 1956 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Consul | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Consul | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1089 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 58 L |
