1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 GMC Sierra
To start off, 2011 GMC Sierra is newer by 37 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 6,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 GMC Sierra (364 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 GMC Sierra weights approximately 1084 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 2011 GMC Sierra 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, 2011 GMC Sierra 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, 2011 GMC Sierra (506 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 2011 GMC Sierra 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. 2011 GMC Sierra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2011 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | Mercury | GMC |
| Model | Cougar | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 364 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 506 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 2659 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 5710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3380 mm |
