1978 Bitter Diplomat vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bitter Diplomat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bitter Diplomat would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bitter Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bitter Diplomat (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bitter Diplomat should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bitter Diplomat weights approximately 336 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Bitter Diplomat 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 1978 Bitter Diplomat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1978 Bitter Diplomat (419 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Bitter Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bitter Diplomat | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Bitter | Mercury |
| Model | Diplomat | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 419 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
