2005 Land Rover Defender vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Land Rover Defender is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Land Rover Defender (180 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 400 kg more than 2005 Land Rover Defender.
Because 2005 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Land Rover Defender. (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Land Rover Defender.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercury |
| Model | Defender | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1976 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3947 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2910 mm |
