2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 538 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Mustang | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Mustang | Cougar |
Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4601 cc | 5766 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 152 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 530 Nm | 377 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1492 kg | 2030 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2910 mm |