1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1998 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1998 Opel Vectra is newer by 25 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 78 more horse power than 1998 Opel Vectra. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 849 kg more than 1998 Opel Vectra. 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, 1998 Opel Vectra, 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 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Vectra. (128 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1998 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2034 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
