2005 Citroen Xsara vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Citroen Xsara is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2005 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2005 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 381 kg more than 2005 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Citroen Xsara, 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Citroen Xsara. (200 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Citroen Xsara | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | Xsara | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2860 mm |
