1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is newer by 23 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 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger (182 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 219 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger.
Because 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger will offer significantly more control. 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 (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger | |
| Make | Mercury | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Cougar | Challenger |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6589 cc | 2972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2730 mm |
