1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 37 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (146 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 730 kg more than 2013 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Mazda 3, 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 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Cougar | 3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2640 mm |
