1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 355 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper.
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 Mini Cooper, 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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mercury | Mini |
| Model | Cougar | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2466 mm |
