1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 19 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, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 241 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (380 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2820 mm |
