1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2000 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2000 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 27 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2000 Suzuki Vitara. (79 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2000 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 660 kg more than 2000 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Suzuki Vitara. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2000 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Mercury | Suzuki |
| Model | Cougar | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2490 mm |
