1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 406 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 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 18 more horse power than 1997 Peugeot 406. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1997 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 690 kg more than 1997 Peugeot 406. 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, 1997 Peugeot 406, 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 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Peugeot 406. (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Peugeot 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Mercury | Peugeot |
| Model | Cougar | 406 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2034 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2730 mm |
