2002 Acura TL vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Acura TL is newer by 29 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura TL (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 420 kg more than 2002 Acura TL.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura TL, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura TL. (315 Nm). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura TL | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | TL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3212 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 2034 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2910 mm |
