2002 Ford Ka vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Ford Ka is newer by 29 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 898 kg more than 2002 Ford Ka. 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, 2002 Ford Ka, 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 (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Ka. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Ka | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 2034 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2910 mm |
