1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 1955 Triumph TR3
To start off, 1976 Mercury Cougar is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1955 Triumph TR3. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1955 Triumph TR3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1105 kg more than 1955 Triumph TR3. 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Triumph TR3. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Triumph TR3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 1955 Triumph TR3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Triumph |
| Model | Cougar | TR3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2240 mm |
