1971 Chrysler Valiant vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chrysler Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chrysler Valiant would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chrysler Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chrysler Valiant (227 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chrysler Valiant should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chrysler Valiant weights approximately 156 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Chrysler Valiant 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 1971 Chrysler Valiant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1971 Chrysler Valiant (461 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Chrysler Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chrysler Valiant | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | Valiant | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.4 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
