2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 290 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Nitro | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
