2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 805 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Mazda 3 | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | 3 | Cougar |
Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5766 cc |
Horse Power | 145 HP | 152 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 181 Nm | 377 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2030 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2910 mm |