2002 Mercury Cougar vs. 1974 MG Midget
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 MG Midget. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 MG Midget would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1974 MG Midget. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1974 MG Midget. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 590 kg more than 1974 MG Midget. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 MG Midget 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 1974 MG Midget. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 MG Midget. (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 MG Midget.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Cougar | 1974 MG Midget | |
| Make | Mercury | MG |
| Model | Cougar | Midget |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2040 mm |
