2003 Mercury Monterey vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Mercury Monterey 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 Mercury Monterey (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 20 kg more than 2003 Mercury Monterey.
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 Mercury Monterey, 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Monterey. (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Monterey.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercury Monterey | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Monterey | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4194 cc | 5764 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 359 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 | 2010 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2910 mm |
