2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 105 kg more than 1976 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 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | S | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2910 mm |
