2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1068 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Explorer | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 2034 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2910 mm |
