2008 Kia Sorento vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento 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 22 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sorento. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sorento weights approximately 515 kg more than 1974 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2008 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sorento. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sorento. 2008 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sorento | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Sorento | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 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 | 2090 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2860 mm |
