1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 1998 Saturn SC
To start off, 1998 Saturn SC is newer by 20 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 33 more horse power than 1998 Saturn SC. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Saturn SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 810 kg more than 1998 Saturn SC. 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, 1998 Saturn SC, 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 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Saturn SC. (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Saturn SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 1998 Saturn SC | |
| Make | Mercury | Saturn |
| Model | Cougar | SC |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2610 mm |
