1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1969 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 1973 Mercury Cougar is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 7,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Mercury Monterey (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 5 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1969 Mercury Monterey (452 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1969 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1969 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6589 cc | 7032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 452 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3160 mm |
