1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 39 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 185 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Mercury | Buick |
| Model | Cougar | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2837 mm |
