1970 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1988 Plymouth Horizon is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. (91 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 625 kg more than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. (165 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Cougar | 1988 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
| Model | Cougar | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2530 mm |
