1999 GMC Sonoma vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 GMC Sonoma is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 GMC Sonoma (177 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Sonoma should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 75 kg more than 1999 GMC Sonoma.
Because 1999 GMC Sonoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 GMC Sonoma 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 GMC Sonoma. (332 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 GMC Sonoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Sonoma | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Sonoma | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2860 mm |
