1970 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Dodge Avenger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Avenger is newer by 42 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, 2012 Dodge Avenger (283 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Avenger should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 16 kg more than 2012 Dodge Avenger.
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, 2012 Dodge Avenger, 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Avenger. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Avenger. 2012 Dodge Avenger 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. 2012 Dodge Avenger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Dodge Avenger | |
| Make | Mercury | Dodge |
| Model | Cougar | Avenger |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1634 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4892 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2766 mm |
