BUD LINDEMANN ROAD TEST 1974 MERCURY COUGAR XR7

I created this video with the KZbin Video Editor ( / editor )

[@todd5082]

I actually bought the DVD with nearly all these road test reviews. Same dry humor same smoking of the brakes. It’s awesome! Also, same narrator who never misses a beat.

[@nicgaines8685]

…”the narrator never misses a boat” hahaha

[@reginalddennis6466]

Miss this time of life

[@swabby429]

My best friend owned a 1968 XR-7. That was a "real" Cougar. It was a real joy to drive.

[@bryand6478]

I had two both gold with black vinyl top.. Nice car!

[@kimmerdkd]

I had a 1974 XR 7 Oxford White w/Tan Leather interior and Faux Leather Landau roof, I enjoyed it, & it responded in kind as it rewarded me with great comfort and zero mechanical issues!

[@shawl777]

I wasn’t so fortunate, mine fell apart at 60,000 miles. Everyone said a 351 Cleveland was a good engine, but apparently not mine. 🙄

[@shawl777]

Ah my first car at age 18, in 1980. Brings back great memories. Glad I didn’t need to do anything but cruise in it because it was an awesome cruiser. Back then we could sit on the side of the hood in the park to watch cruisers go by, and lay back on the windshield at the drive in. Loved seeing the whole hood out in front of me with the Cougar hood ornament as I drove. Nice heavy solid feel and rode like a dream. Everything started falling apart at only 60,000 miles but that was common then. Still, I miss it!

[@eddiestanley135]

18.2 quarter mile with a 460. Man these were sad days!

[@realmaindrianpace]

Watching that thing lumber through the cones was painful, but then almost everything handled like that back then.

[@joshn938]

The soft suspension was made worse by the 460 big block. A small block wouldn't be quite so bad. Less weight up front= increased stability.

[@realmaindrianpace]

Not exactly. Big cars back then were all about a soft ride quality, no matter the engine. So the 302 and 351 versions would have had softer springs, thinner sway bars, and possibly softer shocks to maintain the same ride with the lighter engine. So they would have handled in a similar fashion to the 460 car.

[@joshn938]

Maindrian Pace You know I didn't think about that. You're right. I would argue, though, that certain brands were known for better handling than not. The big Chrysler cars, with the torsion bar suspension and unibody construction were nimble ( nimble for the time period anyways) and had a slightly firmer than average suspension. GM was known for having more steering wheel "play" from the factory, and I would say, the smoothest rides of the big 3. Ford was hit and miss, somewhere in the middle. AMCs tended to be more on the firm side, but had a lot of body lean because of cost-cutting.

[@scdevon]

It's that heavy 460 up front. This was a good looking car for 1974 even if the performance sucked.

[@1983jblack]

The 351-CJ was still available in 1974. Would have helped on the suspension. I've been researching if the Competition Suspension package from the Torino was still available and of so, would have been much better. The heavy duty suspension package on this one could be for trailer towing purposes. Who knows.

[@rbielarski]

Still want one despite the obvious underwhelming handling, a gorgeous car with silky-smooth ride!

[@razzledc69]

rbielarski I have one 38k org miles was my grandfather's car 460 police interceptor

[@RivieraByBuick]

police car w/ 38k miles? You are an idiot. sorry.

[@cyberrednec]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHPMqWehbZWofrM 😉

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@cyberrednec good stuff !

[@melrose9252]

razzledc69 = What made the 460 a police interceptor?

[@mikeglenn3333]

My grandmother had one, And the narrator was correct on the body lean and brakes. She had that car until the day she died . Now my sister has it and she paid to have the suspension worked on and heavier springs were put in. That 460 is a beast no matter what some say.

[@leighjoelfierman3705]

Had one. Split red leather buckets and console shift. A very unique blue with a dark red split vinyl top. 351 Cleveland powered. Handled like hell. Understeered like most Fords of its day. Looked great but well you know the story. Still wish I had it today though...

[@joecap2919]

I had the 1975 XR7 in Emerald Green with the 351 Windsor. 11 mpg and underpowered but sharp and comfortable. The floors rotted out.

[@robertortiz8540]

I was 14 years old in 1974 these commercials brings back memories.

[@jcirvine38]

I like it! Built in 1974, my birth year, too!

[@user-uz7ir9sc1t]

I had this exact car in 1979. It was a heavy car which was why it took time to take off once you step on the gas pedal. It's a big heavy car. I was sorry I did not get a '73 cougar, which was smaller and more sleek.

[@qmto]

I love watching them torture these old boats in the handling course.

[@joeh.5372]

Would still take it just the way it is.

[@paktype]

The test driver should have gotten a medal. Ford cars of the mid 1970s had horribly overboosted steering. My friend’s dad had a ‘77 Granada and you could steer it with one finger.

[@shawl777]

Ha I remember those days. I could “palm the wheel” when doing a tight turn. Tried that recently with my 2014 Cruze...nope. 😂

[@joninct]

I used to own a car just like this one. They forgot to mention the awful horn. It was called a 'rim fire' and was activated by squeezing the rim of the steering wheel. That wouldn't have been so bad, but I always slammed my hand into the center, resulting in several near miss accidents. However, I loved that car. I blew the motor, a piston blew out the underside of the car. It was an extremely comfortable car.

[@shawl777]

Omg I had that stupid horn inside the steering wheel on my ‘74 Cougar! One time I was sitting at a red light in heavy traffic, windows shut with stereo blasting. Heard a car horn just blaring away. Who the heck is doing that I thought. Then I realized I was because I was resting my arms down on the inside of the steering wheel, lol. Oopsy!😆 When I did try to use it in near accidents I would squeeze and squeeze the wheel but nothing. What a dumb design that was!!

[@ballschin946]

I have a 75 cougar with a Fi tech fuel injection on top of a 400. I put quite a bit of money into mine. It's 0-60 used to be around 17. Now it's about 8-10. It had 140hp and 270tq stock when I got it, compared to it now with 250hp and 300tq. It's pretty fast now, but not as fast as I want it. The only other thing I want to do at the moment is get a sway bar. It's true that this beast swerves like a bitch. Very heavy, the car is 5000 pounds. All of it comes from the rear. Super smooth ride though. Even at fast speeds it glides like you're doing 20mph.

[@zanej3825]

BallsChin as someone who has a 74, I agree with everything you stated whole heartedly

[@MrTheHillfolk]

A friend of a friend back in the late 80s had one. He messed around with the 460 and did the basic tweaks. She ran pretty strong for a big car,but she was really nice at ,ahem, "highway" speeds

[@1983jblack]

For a Ford 400 V8, I think that is a major accomplishment with hp and ETs. Not sure how much more can be done without tearing it down and sinking alot more money into it. If that is your intention, more power to you. The Ford 400s were strong engines that were introduced at a bad time

[@lonewolfmcquade1079]

I drove a 71 Cougar with a 351 Cleveland auto on floor it was n old lady down the block and she used to ask me to go to the store for her that car FLEW!!! It was like a gentleman s hot rod it reminded of the Tarino alot it was a nice car

[@scdevon]

1971 was still a good year for American V8s. The party was over after 1971.

[@solidbreed9767]

@@scdevon '73

[@cocohead1000]

I'm 46. My dad bought one the year I was born. I still remember it. White with white interior

[@67tomcat]

"Fattening-up" happening today with all the trucks and SUV's....

[@crubitv7042]

I learned to drive with this car my parents owned. Later bought it from them and sadly had to junk it in 1997. I miss it terribly.

[@NoNo-iz8hd]

MAN!!! LOOK AT THE BODY ROLL IS JUST CRIMINAL!

[@jinglejazz7537]

that is one beautiful car, I miss the old boats, the announcer is so cruel, saying all those nasty things about this old boat. I had a 76 Elite, my first really nice car, bought in 82. almost identical. Sold it in 84, that was 34 years ago and I still regret it. very sad.

[@rexyoshimoto4278]

Thanks for posting this. Heh, heh. A little sloppy hot rodding but it lands on all 4. In town cruiser. Long trips a plus.

[@SonnyGTA]

Labeled JELLY!! Soft and wallowly!

[@1972mercurycougar]

I'll take a 1973 4speed convertible.

[@Doobie1975]

Almost reminds me of the 1971 Mercury Marquis they've tested on here in the handling department.

[@mattycharles3284]

He doesn't know why a personal luxury car would have such pillowy suspension. Because it's a personal luxury car!

[@1983jblack]

Had the Cougar in the comparison had the 351-CJ that was still available (1974 was last year at 255 net hp) instead of its 460, its performance time would have been much better. Also, if you watch the braking on the Cougar, it was much more stable and unlike the Cutlass which had its rear come around. Suspension was won by Cutlass hands-down.

[@bogiewheelman71]

Good example of performance traded in for pollution control .

[@timkis64]

i think a few of those wheel weights may have asphalt scrapes on them.those tires folded over like a rubber skyscraper.

[@garbage854]

Nice car :)

[@scottwalper8733]

parents had one when i was a kid, and yes it was a smooth, floaty ride...maybe a bit too much, but compared to the truck riding crap being turned out today, a little smoother would be appreciated

[@randymorobitto5453]

Personal luxury for the person who's outgrown the Mustang, but not quite ready to step up to a Thunderbird. Nice ride, though for outside styling, I prefer the Ford Elite.

[@aslant9246]

love the braking tests lmao

[@TheFibtastic]

The body-roll at 3:00. Lol. My sister had a '73, which was a prettier looking boat. This thing... man. The Titanic would give it a "sheesh, you really let yourself go" side-eye.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

Was it possible to take the smog stuff off and then get all the power back or is the engine tuned for low power also?

[@rightlanehog3151]

Where was the tire pressure set, 12 psi?

[@emeyer6963]

Looks like 12 psi is right.3 psi per tire.Lol

[@peteshea8010]

@@emeyer6963 No. The old radials from this era were notorious for their "radial bulge" due to very soft sidewalls. I know because I was there.

[@rsstrazz6261]

@@peteshea8010 Correct, and you couldn't tell if the tires were low unless you used a gauge. The radials back then had that "Radial Slap" going over pavement expansion joints too.

[@nickgee7291]

It’s fun watching that thing lean all over the place

[@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee]

There’s no way it took 9.5 seconds to go from 50mph to 70 mph ,,, he had to mean 0 to 70 in 9.5 ???

[@paulpeterson4320]

Ya I didn't get that either???

[@papocam3853]

Cadillacs & Chrysler Imperials, and Lincolns were NEVER TESTED on this show, I, wonder WHY!!!!

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I think they tested everything , but they werent uploaded on here.

[@johanbrand8601]

I wish I can see the Cadillacs, Chryslers and Lincolns videos.

[@jefferypease3920]

2:39 That’s because the way you’re driving it it’s not supposed to be driven that way

[@talonsx494]

Why did Ford take it off mustang platform? Sad Every time I see a old review I loose interest to drive them for fun.

[@bws1971]

Well, it obviously fell into the Ford calorie tank and fattened up

[@paktype]

0-50 in 7 seconds for a whale like the Cougar really wasn’t so bad TBH

[@JSAFIXIT]

They are very large and VERY comfortable. Definitely not a great handling car lol

[@grandprix4973]

Engine sound

[@donrainvillerainville4945]

my 1976 ranchero with a 460 did 0-60 mph in 5 sec.

[@Scalihoo]

I had a 78 Ranchero with the 400 M that did that

[@busman2050]

Nope

[@robfmas]

0 to 70 in 14 seconds w a 460v8? What a pig...

[@toddbob55]

It's not a race car BUD ...... it's a Luxury Comfortable Family road machine- Not a road racer

[@e4300]

FORD always made the cars soft, very loose steering, no rear sway bar and the wrong gear. Only around 2010 did they get a clue.

[@waynejohnson1304]

Most people miss the nice ride that Ford once provided.

[@brianfeeney3936]

straight fat shames the the fat cat

[@douglasb.1203]

Bud did not approve.

[@jgoncalves1780]

How much you asking for this beauty.

[@rdaystrom4540]

Road testing like that is inappropriate for that type of car. I had one and it was wonderful. I never had to drive thru a slalom course.

[@Machi74005]

Crappy for something with a 460 4bl.

[@scdevon]

And they drank tankfuls of fuel and made no HP. The lower performance of these lousy smog engines would have been easier to accept if they burned less fuel in proportion to the lower HP numbers, but that wasn't the case.

[@dicarlo57]

the hp figures were net not gross. the 429/460s were low revving high torque engines, fuel efficiency depended on driving habits and state of tune.

[@charlesvan13]

This era of cars had shit mileage along with low power. They had low compression, retarded timing with both the spark and the cam, and smog equipment that choked off the breathing. For example, higher compression increases the thermal efficiency, so lowing it decreases both power and mileage.

[@zodiac8892]

I had a 351 Cleveland and it did exactly what the book said. 10-13mpg no more, no less.

[@1983jblack]

Only put out 220 hp; These were meant for the Lincolns and T-Birds to get those 5000 pound beasts to move with respectability.

[@maxredman1015]

It's stupid tests like this that led Manufacturers to make "Modern" Cars stiff and uncomfortable with a harsh ride. I have owned many cars and have never had to take any through a Slalom Course.

[@carlosdyer5868]

But never held any punches. That cougar was pure T ugly and it was definitely a lead sled !

[@zxtenn]

18 SECONDS WITH A 460 TOP OF THE LINE ENGINE, LMFAO.. I AM SURE MY 2019 HYNDAI ELANTRA 6 SPEED MANUAL WOULD DO MUCH BETTER

[@melrose9252]

jim dandy = You are bold to admit you have an Hyundai Elantra.

[@Aman-fv5if]

Yeah bur your Hyundai is nearly fifty years older than this car, imagine comparing this to a ford model T, its not a fair comparison.

[@maxredman1015]

I bet my Tesla would do much better than your Hyundai

[@zxtenn]

@@maxredman1015 I prefer RELIABILITY and low costs

[@zxtenn]

@RJ mi I didnt buy it to be a boy street racer, if i wanted a little power i would have bought a Veloster R spec or N

[@rickjarvis9892]

Why did these have to happen? Embarrassing to the American motor industry

[@CJColvin]

Rick Jarvis I have no Idea I think it's because of the oil crises as well as new regulations.

[@maxwellstubbs2510]

I mean, yeah it sucked for people who bought them new, but personally I'm glad they happened, I love these cars. I have a 1977 Cougar and I love that thing, 8mpg and all.