1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2013 Kia Forte
To start off, 2013 Kia Forte is newer by 39 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, 2013 Kia Forte (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 691 kg more than 2013 Kia Forte.
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, 2013 Kia Forte, 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 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Kia Forte. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2013 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Cougar | Forte |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5764 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |
