1976 Bristol 412 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1976 Bristol 412 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (213 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 395 kg more than 1976 Bristol 412. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 412. (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 412 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 213 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2910 mm |
