1997 Ford F-150 vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Ford F-150 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford F-150 (202 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford F-150 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1971 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Ford F-150 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-150 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford F-150. (338 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford F-150.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford F-150 | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | F-150 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4194 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2860 mm |
