1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 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 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 441 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
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 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 3349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1414 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2730 mm |
