1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 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 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (213 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 213 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2910 mm |
