2006 Ford Five Hundred vs. 1977 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1977 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 1001 kg more than 1977 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 1977 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Five Hundred.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Five Hundred | 1977 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Five Hundred | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2910 mm |
