2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 485 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | S | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2860 mm |
