1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
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 353. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 353 would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1074 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353. 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 353, 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 (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (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 353.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Mercury | Wartburg |
| Model | Cougar | 353 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2034 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2460 mm |
