1968 Mercury Cougar vs. 2013 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2013 Ford Explorer is newer by 45 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, 2013 Ford Explorer (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1968 Mercury Cougar. (194 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Explorer weights approximately 609 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 2013 Ford Explorer 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, 2013 Ford Explorer 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, 2013 Ford Explorer (475 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercury Cougar. (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercury Cougar | 2013 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Cougar | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2209 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2291 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1803 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2860 mm |
