1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 1996 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 1996 Toyota 4Runner is newer by 18 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Toyota 4Runner. (123 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota 4Runner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 5 kg more than 1996 Toyota 4Runner. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Toyota 4Runner 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, 1996 Toyota 4Runner 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota 4Runner. (295 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota 4Runner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 1996 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
