1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,764 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1125 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Ford Fiesta | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Fiesta | Cougar |
Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1597 cc | 5764 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 152 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 377 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 2030 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2910 mm |