2001 Dodge Intrepid vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Dodge Intrepid is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Dodge Intrepid (197 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Intrepid should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 460 kg more than 2001 Dodge Intrepid.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Intrepid, 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Dodge Intrepid. (257 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Dodge Intrepid.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Intrepid | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Intrepid | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2736 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2910 mm |
