2008 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 35 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 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (398 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 595 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (546 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Corvette | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Corvette | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 398 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.1 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2860 mm |
