1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Saturn L
To start off, 2005 Saturn L is newer by 27 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, 2005 Saturn L (182 HP) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 387 kg more than 2005 Saturn L.
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, 2005 Saturn L, 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn L. (258 Nm). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn L.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Saturn L | |
| Make | Mercury | Saturn |
| Model | Cougar | L |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 182 HP |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1468 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |
