1974 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 45 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1974 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1974 Ford Fairlane (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Fairlane | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Fairlane | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
