2004 Ford Escape vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Ford Escape 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 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Escape (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 86 kg more than 2004 Ford Escape.
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, 2004 Ford Escape, 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 (382 Nm) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Escape. (265 Nm). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Escape | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escape | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1489 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
