1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 36 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 5,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (360 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 674 kg more than 1976 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (515 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | Mercury | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cougar | Silverado |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 2704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5715 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 8032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1971 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3396 mm |
