2008 Ford Focus vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 400 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Focus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2860 mm |
