1997 Ford Mustang vs. 1968 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Ford Mustang is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Mustang (590 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 396 more horse power than 1968 Mercury Cougar. (194 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 670 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang.
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, 1997 Ford Mustang (728 Nm) has 431 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercury Cougar. (297 Nm). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 1968 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mustang | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 590 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 728 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2830 mm |
