1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2008 Subaru Outback is newer by 34 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, 2008 Subaru Outback (243 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Subaru Outback weights approximately 35 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 2008 Subaru Outback is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Outback will offer significantly more control. 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Subaru Outback. (297 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Subaru Outback. 2008 Subaru Outback 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. 2008 Subaru Outback will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Mercury | Subaru |
| Model | Cougar | Outback |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2680 mm |
