1986 Buick Electra vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1986 Buick Electra is newer by 10 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 14 more horse power than 1986 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1986 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 550 kg more than 1986 Buick Electra. 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, 1986 Buick Electra, 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 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Buick Electra. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Electra | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Electra | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2910 mm |
