1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2009 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 31 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, 2009 Saab 03-Sep (280 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 445 kg more than 2009 Saab 03-Sep.
Because 2009 Saab 03-Sep 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, 2009 Saab 03-Sep 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, 2009 Saab 03-Sep (355 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Mercury | Saab |
| Model | Cougar | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2680 mm |
