2000 Mercury Cougar vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 2000 Mercury Cougar is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 425 kg more than 2000 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 Plymouth Trail Duster (313 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercury Cougar | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
| Model | Cougar | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
