1973 Chrysler Valiant vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1974 Mercury Cougar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chrysler Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chrysler Valiant would be higher. At 5,764 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Chrysler Valiant (163 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Chrysler Valiant should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 630 kg more than 1973 Chrysler Valiant.
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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chrysler Valiant. (318 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chrysler Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chrysler Valiant | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | Valiant | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 5764 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2910 mm |
