USA vs USA — 1957 vs 1967
| Turnpike Cruiser Convertible | Cougar GT 390 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 320 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,030 cc | 6,391 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 6.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 14.8 sec |
| Weight | 4,250 lbs | 3,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,124 mm | 2,844 mm |
| Length | 5,512 mm | 4,851 mm |
| Units Produced | 16,861 | 7,412 |
| Original MSRP | $3,758 | $3,295 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $95,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Numbers favor the 1967 Mercury Cougar GT 390 with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser Convertible offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Mercury has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser Convertible with the 1967 Mercury Cougar GT 390 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1967 Mercury Cougar GT 390 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 320 hp compared to 290 hp, a 30-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1967 Mercury Cougar GT 390 edges ahead at 6.5 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. The Mercury Cougar carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 850 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.