1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 25 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 231 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
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, 1999 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 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
