1997 Holden Commodore vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Holden Commodore is newer by 24 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, 1997 Holden Commodore (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 445 kg more than 1997 Holden Commodore.
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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Holden Commodore. (304 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Holden Commodore | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Commodore | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2910 mm |
