2009 Kia Optima vs. 1975 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1975 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1975 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 1975 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, 1975 Mercury Cougar (378 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1975 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 | 1975 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Optima | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
