2008 Mercury Mariner vs. 1970 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 275 kg more than 1970 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mariner, 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 2008 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1970 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1970 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Mariner | 1970 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Mariner | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
