1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1997 Mercury Mystique is newer by 23 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 262 kg more than 1997 Mercury Mystique.
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, 1997 Mercury Mystique, 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Mystique. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Mystique. 1997 Mercury Mystique has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercury Mystique will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
