2008 Mazda CX-7 vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Mazda CX-7 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 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 470 kg more than 2008 Mazda CX-7.
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 Mazda CX-7, 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda CX-7. (351 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda CX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda CX-7 | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | CX-7 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
