2003 Kia Opirus vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Kia Opirus is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,764 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 270 kg more than 2003 Kia Opirus.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus, 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Kia Opirus. (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Kia Opirus.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Kia Opirus | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Kia | Mercury |
Model | Opirus | Cougar |
Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3497 cc | 5764 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 196 HP | 152 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 295 Nm | 377 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 2030 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2910 mm |