1974 GMC Suburban vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1980 Mercury Cougar is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 GMC Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 GMC Suburban weights approximately 870 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 GMC Suburban (243 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1974 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 GMC Suburban | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Suburban | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 243 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2690 mm |
