1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 402 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Vega 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 1974 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2001 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2001 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Vega | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 58 L |
