1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 34 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 115 kg more than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Mercury | Buick |
| Model | Cougar | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| 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 | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2837 mm |
