1971 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1988 Opel Vectra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1988 Opel Vectra. (130 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 591 kg more than 1988 Opel Vectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Opel Vectra, 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 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Opel Vectra. (180 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Cougar | 1988 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1059 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2670 mm |
