1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1146 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | Super 7 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2860 mm |
