2009 Dodge Durango vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Dodge Durango is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Durango (303 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Durango weights approximately 693 kg more than 1971 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Durango is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Durango 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, 2009 Dodge Durango (447 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Durango | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Durango | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2343 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2860 mm |
