2009 Chevrolet Kalos vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Kalos is newer by 36 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Kalos. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Kalos. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 580 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Kalos. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Kalos, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Kalos. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Kalos.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Kalos | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Kalos | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2860 mm |
