1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Nissan 350Z is newer by 33 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 803 kg more than 2006 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2006 Nissan 350Z, 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan 350Z. (353 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6589 cc | 3491 cc |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1252 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
