1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra 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 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 45 more horse power than 2003 Opel Vectra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 260 kg more than 2003 Opel Vectra. 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, 2003 Opel Vectra, 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 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (162 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
