2009 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse 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, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse (281 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 505 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse will offer significantly more control. 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. (361 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Traverse | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Traverse | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3599 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2860 mm |
