1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1977 Talbot Horizon
To start off, 1977 Talbot Horizon is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar 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 111 more horse power than 1977 Talbot Horizon. (57 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1977 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 705 kg more than 1977 Talbot Horizon. 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, 1977 Talbot Horizon, 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 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Talbot Horizon. (101 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Talbot Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1977 Talbot Horizon | |
| Make | Mercury | Talbot |
| Model | Cougar | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2530 mm |
