2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (241 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 375 kg more than 1974 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | S | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2860 mm |
