1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima is newer by 36 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, 2010 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 518 kg more than 2010 Nissan Altima.
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, 2010 Nissan Altima, 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Nissan Altima. (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Altima |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5764 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2675 mm |
