2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (95 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 580 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (178 Nm). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SLK | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 2055 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2910 mm |
