1998 Ford Cougar vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1998 Ford Cougar is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Rover 3.5 (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 Ford Cougar. (128 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 347 kg more than 1998 Ford Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Rover 3.5 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 1974 Rover 3.5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar, 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, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Cougar. 1974 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Cougar has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Cougar | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1291 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2820 mm |
