1996 Mazda 121 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 23 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 586 kg more than 1996 Mazda 121. 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, 1996 Mazda 121, 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 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mazda 121 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | 121 | Cougar |
Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1753 cc | 5769 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 363 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 1650 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 5080 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1920 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2860 mm |