1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 2011 Nissan Patrol is newer by 33 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 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Patrol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Patrol (400 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Patrol should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 930 kg more than 1978 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Nissan Patrol is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Patrol 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, 2011 Nissan Patrol (559 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Patrol will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 559 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 2785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1995 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3075 mm |
