1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 1977 Rover 2600
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Rover 2600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Rover 2600 would be higher. At 2,596 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Rover 2600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Rover 2600 (136 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Rover 2600 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Rover 2600 weights approximately 38 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Rover 2600 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 1977 Rover 2600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1977 Rover 2600 (206 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Rover 2600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 1977 Rover 2600 has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1999 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Rover 2600 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 1977 Rover 2600 | |
| Make | Mercury | Rover |
| Model | Cougar | 2600 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1348 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2820 mm |
