1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Scion xA
To start off, 2005 Scion xA 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2005 Scion xA. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2005 Scion xA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 785 kg more than 2005 Scion xA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Scion xA, 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 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Scion xA. (142 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Scion xA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Scion xA | |
| Make | Mercury | Scion |
| Model | Cougar | xA |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2380 mm |
