2002 Ford Taurus vs. 1968 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Ford Taurus is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Cougar (194 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2002 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 123 kg more than 2002 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Taurus, 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, 1968 Mercury Cougar (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 1968 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2830 mm |
