2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 444 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 25 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 619 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5982 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 605 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
