2009 Acura TL vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Acura TL is newer by 35 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, 2009 Acura TL (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL, 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Acura TL. (254 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Acura TL. 2009 Acura TL 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. 2009 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Acura TL | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Acura | Mercury |
Model | TL | Cougar |
Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3471 cc | 5752 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 276 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 254 Nm | 382 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5010 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1920 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2860 mm |