1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Opel Signum
To start off, 2002 Opel Signum is newer by 24 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, 2002 Opel Signum (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 185 kg more than 2002 Opel Signum.
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, 2002 Opel Signum, 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, 2002 Opel Signum (377 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2002 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Signum |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2840 mm |
