2005 Chrysler Neon vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Chrysler Neon is newer by 31 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2005 Chrysler Neon. (114 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2005 Chrysler Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 890 kg more than 2005 Chrysler Neon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Chrysler Neon, 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 (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chrysler Neon. (154 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chrysler Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chrysler Neon | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | Neon | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5764 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4950 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2910 mm |
