1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1980 Mercury Cougar is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 284 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Cougar | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2960 mm |
