2003 Ford Ka vs. 1968 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Cougar (194 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 638 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka, 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, 1968 Mercury Cougar (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1968 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Ka | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2830 mm |
