2004 Ford Focus vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 31 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 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 759 kg more than 2004 Ford Focus. 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, 2004 Ford Focus, 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 (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (250 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Focus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1752 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
