1977 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (209 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1977 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 171 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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, 1977 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1977 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2800 mm |
