1970 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Kia Spectra
To start off, 2005 Kia Spectra is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 Kia Spectra. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Spectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 360 kg more than 2005 Kia Spectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Mercury Cougar 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 1970 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Spectra, 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Spectra. (192 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Spectra. 2005 Kia Spectra has automatic transmission and 1970 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1970 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Kia Spectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Cougar | Spectra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2720 mm |
