2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 47 kg more than 1976 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Explorer | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2910 mm |
