2006 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 Mercedes-Benz GL (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 870 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | GL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 384 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2445 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2860 mm |
