1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Renault Espace
To start off, 2008 Renault Espace 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Renault Espace (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Espace weights approximately 270 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, 2008 Renault Espace, 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Renault Espace. (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Renault Espace.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Cougar | Espace |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2810 mm |
