1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 21 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, 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 23 kg more than 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
