1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 735 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper.
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, 2012 Mini Cooper, 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 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mercury | Mini |
| Model | Cougar | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1414 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2466 mm |
