1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Maxima is newer by 29 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 475 kg more than 2005 Nissan Maxima.
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, 2005 Nissan Maxima, 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Maxima. (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2830 mm |
