1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 30 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, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 765 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
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, 2003 Nissan Altima, 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 (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Altima. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Mercury | Nissan |
Model | Cougar | Altima |
Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6589 cc | 2488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 180 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 375 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4890 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |