2008 Ford Fusion vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Ford Fusion 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 89 more horse power than 2008 Ford Fusion. (79 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 505 kg more than 2008 Ford Fusion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ford Fusion, 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 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fusion. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fusion | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Fusion | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2860 mm |
