2006 Chevrolet Kalos vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Kalos is newer by 32 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 540 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. 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, 2006 Chevrolet Kalos, 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 278 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. (104 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Kalos | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Kalos | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1150 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2860 mm |
