2003 Mazda Tribute vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Mazda Tribute 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Tribute. (122 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Tribute. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 225 kg more than 2003 Mazda Tribute. 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 Mazda Tribute, 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 (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Tribute. (175 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Tribute.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | Tribute | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2860 mm |
