1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Opel Signum
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 29 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 5,764 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Signum (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 360 kg more than 2003 Opel Signum.
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, 2003 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 (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Signum. (371 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Signum.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Signum |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5764 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2700 mm |
