1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Renault Grand Espace
To start off, 2005 Renault Grand Espace is newer by 31 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, 2005 Renault Grand Espace (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Grand Espace should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Grand Espace weights approximately 261 kg more than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 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, 2005 Renault Grand Espace, 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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Renault Grand Espace. (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Renault Grand Espace. 2005 Renault Grand Espace 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. 2005 Renault Grand Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Renault Grand Espace | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Cougar | Grand Espace |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2630 mm |
