1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 21 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, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville (200 HP) has 48 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 470 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Bonneville.
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, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville, 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Bonneville. (318 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Bonneville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2700 mm |
