1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Pontiac Torrent
To start off, 2008 Pontiac Torrent is newer by 35 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 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Pontiac Torrent (263 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (213 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac Torrent should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 753 kg more than 2008 Pontiac Torrent.
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, 2008 Pontiac Torrent, 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 (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Pontiac Torrent. (339 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Pontiac Torrent.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Pontiac Torrent | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Torrent |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 213 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2105 kg | 1352 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2860 mm |
