1979 Daihatsu Taft vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1979 Daihatsu Taft is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Taft. (44 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Taft. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 555 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 1974 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Taft. (63 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 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 | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercury |
| Model | Taft | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1974 |
| Engine Size | 958 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2860 mm |
