1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1973 Mercury Cougar is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 680 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 311, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Mercury Cougar | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
Make | Mercury | Wartburg |
Model | Cougar | 311 |
Year Released | 1973 | 1966 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5769 cc | 992 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 50 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Torque | 363 Nm | 98 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 73.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 78 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 970 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2460 mm |