2000 Mercury Sable vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2000 Mercury Sable is newer by 26 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 10 kg more than 2000 Mercury Sable. 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, 2000 Mercury Sable, 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 (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Sable. 2000 Mercury Sable 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. 2000 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercury Sable | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Sable | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
