1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,404 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 78 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2001 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | 240 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2404 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
