1999 Mazda 626 vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mazda 626 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 5,764 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1999 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 790 kg more than 1999 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 626, 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 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda 626 | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 626 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 5764 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2910 mm |
