1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2005 Opel Vectra is newer by 32 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 28 more horse power than 2005 Opel Vectra. (124 HP @ 3250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 474 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 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 (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Vectra. (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2034 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2840 mm |
