1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2003 Ford Explorer is newer by 25 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, 2003 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 84 kg more than 1978 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Explorer. (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Cougar | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 4014 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3490 mm |
