1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (213 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 387 kg more than 2012 Mazda CX-7.
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 Mazda CX-7, 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 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda CX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Cougar | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 213 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2105 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2751 mm |
