1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 1996 Acura RL
To start off, 1996 Acura RL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 355 kg more than 1996 Acura RL.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Acura RL, 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 1996 Acura RL | |
| Make | Mercury | Acura |
| Model | Cougar | RL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2920 mm |
