2009 Ford Taurus X vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus X 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 5,764 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus X (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 923 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus X.
Because 2009 Ford Taurus X is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus X. (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus X.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus X | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus X | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5764 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2910 mm |
