1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 1985 Saab 900
To start off, 1985 Saab 900 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1985 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1985 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 395 kg more than 1985 Saab 900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Saab 900, 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 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 1985 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Mercury | Saab |
| Model | Cougar | 900 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2530 mm |
