1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 330 kg more than 1974 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | S | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 356 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2860 mm |
