1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2006 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 28 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, 2006 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 500 kg more than 2006 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2006 Toyota Tacoma 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, 2006 Toyota Tacoma 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2790 mm |
