2005 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 32 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 142 kg more than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu.
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, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 (363 Nm) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Malibu | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2860 mm |
