1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2004 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 26 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, 2004 Pontiac Sunfire (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 600 kg more than 2004 Pontiac Sunfire.
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, 2004 Pontiac Sunfire, 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) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Pontiac Sunfire | |
Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
Model | Cougar | Sunfire |
Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2195 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 133 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 336 Nm | 203 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1255 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |