1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 279 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cortina | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
