1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 245 kg more than 2008 Toyota RAV4.
Because 2008 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 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 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota RAV4. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota RAV4. 2008 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.8:1 |
| 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 | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2670 mm |
