1966 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Ford Cougar
To start off, 2001 Ford Cougar is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 6,385 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Mustang (320 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2001 Ford Cougar. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Cougar weights approximately 100 kg more than 1966 Ford Mustang.
Because 1966 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford 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 Ford Cougar (298 Nm) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Mustang. (85 Nm). This means 2001 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Mustang. 1966 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford Cougar has manual transmission. 2001 Ford Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Mustang | 2001 Ford Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6385 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
