1971 Jensen SP 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 Jensen SP. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Jensen SP would be higher. At 7,206 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Jensen SP is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jensen SP (385 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jensen SP should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jensen SP weights approximately 376 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Jensen SP 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 Jensen SP. 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 Jensen SP (557 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1971 Jensen SP will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar. 1971 Jensen SP has automatic transmission and 2001 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2001 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Jensen SP will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Jensen SP | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Jensen | Mercury |
| Model | SP | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7206 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 557 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 109.7 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1783 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 58 L |
