1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 27 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, both vehicles can yield 152 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 465 kg more than 2003 Mercury Sable.
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, 2003 Mercury Sable, 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 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Sable |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
