1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2002 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 26 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 850 kg more than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 261 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Mercury | Suzuki |
| Model | Cougar | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1700 mm |
