2007 Dodge Dakota vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2007 Dodge Dakota is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 264 kg more than 2007 Dodge Dakota.
Because 2007 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Dodge Dakota 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Dodge Dakota | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 2034 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2910 mm |
