1961 Fiat 2300 vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1974 Mercury Cougar is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 2300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 2300 would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 2300. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 2300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 309 kg more than 1961 Fiat 2300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 2300. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 2300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 2300 | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 2300 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2277 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2860 mm |
