1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2001 Proton 400
To start off, 2001 Proton 400 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2001 Proton 400. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2001 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1064 kg more than 2001 Proton 400. 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 Proton 400, 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 269 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Proton 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2001 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Mercury | Proton |
| Model | Cougar | 400 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2034 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
