1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 1958 MG MGA
To start off, 1978 Mercury Cougar is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 MG MGA would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1958 MG MGA. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1958 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 955 kg more than 1958 MG MGA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 MG MGA. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 1958 MG MGA | |
| Make | Mercury | MG |
| Model | Cougar | MGA |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2390 mm |
