1998 Dodge Ram vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Dodge Ram 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 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Ram (173 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Ram weights approximately 15 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Ram. (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Ram.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Ram | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Ram | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3906 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2910 mm |
