1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 GMC Jimmy
To start off, 1988 GMC Jimmy is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 GMC Jimmy (158 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 GMC Jimmy should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 405 kg more than 1988 GMC Jimmy.
Because 1988 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 GMC Jimmy 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 GMC Jimmy. (313 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 GMC Jimmy.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 1988 GMC Jimmy | |
| Make | Mercury | GMC |
| Model | Cougar | Jimmy |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 4299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2560 mm |
