1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2010 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2010 Ford Taurus is newer by 37 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Taurus weights approximately 171 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Ford Taurus, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Ford Taurus. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2010 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Cougar | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2868 mm |
