2003 Chevrolet S-10 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet S-10 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet S-10. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet S-10. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 585 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet S-10. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Chevrolet S-10 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet S-10 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet S-10. (190 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet S-10.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet S-10 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | S-10 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2910 mm |
