1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2004 Mercury Monterey is newer by 31 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, 2004 Mercury Monterey (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 361 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar. 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, 2004 Mercury Monterey, 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Monterey. (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Monterey.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 4194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 5570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3210 mm |
