1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 25 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 30 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Corvette | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2860 mm |
