1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2009 Saturn Aura 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 Saturn Aura (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Aura should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 511 kg more than 2009 Saturn Aura.
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, 2009 Saturn Aura, 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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Aura. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Aura.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Saturn Aura | |
Make | Mercury | Saturn |
Model | Cougar | Aura |
Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 133 HP | 169 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 336 Nm | 217 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1344 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4860 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2860 mm |