1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Firebird 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 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 469 kg more than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (375 Nm). This means 1999 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6589 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1900 mm |
