2009 Kia Optima vs. 1970 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima, 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Kia Optima | 1970 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Kia | Mercury |
Model | Optima | Cougar |
Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2359 cc | 5769 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 229 Nm | 363 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5840 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2000 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |