2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 5,764 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (617 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 465 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 262 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 403 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5764 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 617 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1768 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
