1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2011 Dodge Caliber is newer by 35 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, 2011 Dodge Caliber (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 622 kg more than 2011 Dodge Caliber.
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, 2011 Dodge Caliber, 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 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Caliber. (223 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Mercury | Dodge |
| Model | Cougar | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2634 mm |
