1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 GMC Sierra
To start off, 2012 GMC Sierra 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 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Sierra (353 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Sierra weights approximately 111 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 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra (506 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2012 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | Mercury | GMC |
| Model | Cougar | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 5999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 353 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 506 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 2141 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 6580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 4250 mm |
