2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (213 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 776 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 213 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2910 mm |
