1971 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 305 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 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. 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 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 1999 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mustang | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 503 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2710 mm |
