1996 Fiat Punto vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Fiat Punto 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 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 154 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1145 kg more than 1996 Fiat Punto. 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 Fiat Punto, 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 (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Punto. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Punto | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Punto | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1241 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 213 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2910 mm |
