1988 Ford Sierra vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1988 Ford Sierra 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1024 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. 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 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Sierra | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Sierra | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 2034 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
