1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 1983 Saab 900
To start off, 1983 Saab 900 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1983 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1983 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 850 kg more than 1983 Saab 900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Saab 900, 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 1983 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Mercury | Saab |
| Model | Cougar | 900 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2530 mm |
