1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Maxima is newer by 38 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, 2012 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 42 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, 2012 Nissan Maxima, 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Maxima. (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2776 mm |
