1996 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 459 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
Model | Cavalier | Cougar |
Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2189 cc | 5769 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 183 Nm | 363 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1650 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5080 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1920 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |