1994 Ford Tracer vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1994 Ford Tracer is newer by 20 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 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1994 Ford Tracer. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 565 kg more than 1994 Ford Tracer. 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, 1994 Ford Tracer, 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 (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Tracer. (120 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Tracer | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Tracer | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
