1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 MG ZR
To start off, 2008 MG ZR 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 MG ZR (159 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 MG ZR should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 845 kg more than 2008 MG ZR.
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 MG ZR, 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 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 MG ZR. (174 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 MG ZR.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2008 MG ZR | |
| Make | Mercury | MG |
| Model | Cougar | ZR |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
