1978 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1970 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado is newer by 8 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 6,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 580 kg more than 1970 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado, 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 Cadillac Eldorado (433 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Eldorado | 1970 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
| Model | Eldorado | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6964 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 433 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 103.1 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2860 mm |
