2002 Mercury Cougar vs. 1987 TVR 420
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 TVR 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 TVR 420 would be higher. At 4,225 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 TVR 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 TVR 420 (300 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 TVR 420 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 140 kg more than 1987 TVR 420.
Because 1987 TVR 420 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 1987 TVR 420. 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, 1987 TVR 420 (393 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 TVR 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Cougar | 1987 TVR 420 | |
| Make | Mercury | TVR |
| Model | Cougar | 420 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 4225 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2390 mm |
