1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 32 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, 2008 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 198 kg more than 2008 Mercury Mariner.
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, 2008 Mercury Mariner, 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 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2630 mm |
