2000 Mercury Cougar vs. 1975 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Mercury Cougar is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 440 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 1975 Pontiac Firebird 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 1975 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 387 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1975 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercury Cougar | 1975 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
