1971 Mercury Cougar vs. 1991 Saab 9000
To start off, 1991 Saab 9000 is newer by 20 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, 1991 Saab 9000 (185 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 200 kg more than 1991 Saab 9000.
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, 1991 Saab 9000, 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Saab 9000. (278 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Cougar | 1991 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Mercury | Saab |
| Model | Cougar | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2680 mm |
