1968 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2011 Dodge Dakota is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1968 Mercury Cougar. (194 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 360 kg more than 1968 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercury Cougar. (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Mercury | Dodge |
| Model | Cougar | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3340 mm |
