1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2000 Opel Signum
To start off, 2000 Opel Signum is newer by 26 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 38 more horse power than 2000 Opel Signum. (123 HP @ 3250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2000 Opel Signum. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Signum weights approximately 35 kg more than 1974 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, 2000 Opel Signum, 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Opel Signum. (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Opel Signum.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2000 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Signum |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2620 mm |
