1970 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 41 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, 2011 Chevrolet Impala (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 37 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Impala.
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, 2011 Chevrolet Impala, 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Chevrolet Impala. (293 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Chevrolet Impala. 2011 Chevrolet Impala 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. 2011 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Mercury | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cougar | Impala |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2807 mm |
