1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette
To start off, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette is newer by 24 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, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 310 kg more than 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette.
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, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 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 (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Cougar | Silhouette |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6589 cc | 3349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2850 mm |
