1998 Kia Clarus vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Kia Clarus 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1998 Kia Clarus. (114 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Kia Clarus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 810 kg more than 1998 Kia Clarus. 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 Kia Clarus, 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 (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Kia Clarus. (152 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Kia Clarus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Kia Clarus | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Clarus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1224 kg | 2034 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2910 mm |
