1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2003 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. (63 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 945 kg more than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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, 2003 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 257 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Mercury | Suzuki |
| Model | Cougar | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2490 mm |
