2008 Ford Taurus X vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus X 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 Ford Taurus X (264 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 573 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X, 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus X. (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus X | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus X | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2860 mm |
