1988 Cadillac DeVille vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1988 Cadillac DeVille is newer by 15 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1988 Cadillac DeVille. (129 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Cadillac DeVille. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 110 kg more than 1988 Cadillac DeVille. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Cadillac DeVille, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Cadillac DeVille. (271 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Cadillac DeVille.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Cadillac DeVille | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
| Model | DeVille | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4086 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2860 mm |
