1966 Ford 12 M vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1966 Ford 12 M. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 415 kg more than 1966 Ford 12 M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Ford 12 M 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 1966 Ford 12 M. 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford 12 M. (135 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford 12 M | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | 12 M | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1699 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
