1979 Daihatsu Taft vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1979 Daihatsu Taft is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (213 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Taft. (44 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Taft. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1085 kg more than 1979 Daihatsu Taft. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Daihatsu Taft is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Daihatsu Taft 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Taft. (63 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Taft.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Taft | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercury |
| Model | Taft | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 958 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 213 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2910 mm |
