1971 Mercury Cougar vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 25 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 33 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 148 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Cougar | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2570 mm |
