2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (150 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 223 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1873 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2860 mm |
