1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Acura TL
To start off, 1999 Acura TL is newer by 26 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, 1999 Acura TL (226 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 75 kg more than 1999 Acura TL.
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, 1999 Acura TL, 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 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Acura TL | |
| Make | Mercury | Acura |
| Model | Cougar | TL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
