1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 655 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Sunfire, 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 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |
