2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 30 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 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 486 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 1973 Mercury Cougar 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Malibu | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2910 mm |
