1968 Ford 17 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 236 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | 17 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
