2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 1966 Simca 1300
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Simca 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Simca 1300 would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1966 Simca 1300. (51 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1966 Simca 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 417 kg more than 1966 Simca 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Simca 1300 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 1966 Simca 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Simca 1300. (102 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Simca 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 1966 Simca 1300 | |
| Make | Mercury | Simca |
| Model | Cougar | 1300 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 60 L |
