2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 594 kg more than 1974 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Jeep | Mercury |
| Model | Grand Cherokee | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2169 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2860 mm |
