2003 Ford Taurus vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus 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 13 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 470 kg more than 2003 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ford Taurus, 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 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Taurus | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Taurus | Cougar |
Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2967 cc | 6589 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 155 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 244 Nm | 375 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 2055 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |