1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 28 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 68 more horse power than 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 642 kg more than 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer. 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, 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer. (137 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Mercury | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Cougar | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1008 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2610 mm |
