1996 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Cadillac Eldorado is newer by 23 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 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Cadillac Eldorado (301 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 290 kg more than 1996 Cadillac Eldorado.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1996 Cadillac Eldorado (406 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Eldorado | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
| Model | Eldorado | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2910 mm |
