1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 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 125 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1020 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. 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 Mazda 323, 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 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mazda 323 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | 323 | Cougar |
Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1496 cc | 7542 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 88 HP | 213 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 133 Nm | 498 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 2105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |