1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Porsche Cayenne
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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 Porsche Cayenne (400 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Cayenne weights approximately 210 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 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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, 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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, 2012 Porsche Cayenne (500 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayenne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Porsche Cayenne | |
| Make | Mercury | Porsche |
| Model | Cougar | Cayenne |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 4806 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 2065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4846 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1939 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1705 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2896 mm |
