1971 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2004 Nissan Altima is newer by 33 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, 2004 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 289 kg more than 2004 Nissan Altima.
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, 2004 Nissan Altima, 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) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Altima |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1361 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2830 mm |
