2006 Ford Freestar vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Ford Freestar 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, 2006 Ford Freestar (201 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Freestar weights approximately 141 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, 2006 Ford Freestar, 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Freestar. (357 Nm @ 3650 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Freestar. 2006 Ford Freestar 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. 2006 Ford Freestar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Freestar | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Freestar | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3650 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1716 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2860 mm |
