1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1999 Opel Vectra 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 5,766 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 1999 Opel Vectra. (134 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 564 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Opel Vectra. (187 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2034 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |
