1971 Holden Belmont vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Holden Belmont. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Holden Belmont would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Holden Belmont is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Holden Belmont (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Holden Belmont should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 27 kg more than 1971 Holden Belmont.
Because 1971 Holden Belmont 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 Holden Belmont. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 Holden Belmont (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1971 Holden Belmont will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Holden Belmont | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Belmont | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
