2001 Chrysler Viper vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Chrysler Viper is newer by 27 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 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 2001 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 440 kg more than 2001 Chrysler Viper.
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, 2001 Chrysler Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chrysler Viper | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | Viper | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 5764 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2910 mm |
