2005 Kia Opirus vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Kia Opirus 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 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Opirus weights approximately 185 kg more than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 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 Kia Opirus, 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 (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Opirus. (294 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Opirus. 2005 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Opirus | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Opirus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2860 mm |
