1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport 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 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 30 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 355 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. 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, 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport, 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 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Trans Sport | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3348 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 213 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2910 mm |
