1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Cougar (167 HP) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 290 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | 230 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 167 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2860 mm |
