2006 Ford Focus vs. 1970 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (136 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 65 kg more than 1970 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus, 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 1970 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Focus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2860 mm |
