2004 Chrysler 300 vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Chrysler 300 is newer by 30 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 6,057 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chrysler 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chrysler 300 (425 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 313 kg more than 1974 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Chrysler 300 (569 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 2004 Chrysler 300 has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Chrysler 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chrysler 300 | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | 300 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6057 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 425 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 569 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1888 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2860 mm |
