1979 Buick Century vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Century weights approximately 120 kg more than 2002 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1979 Buick Century 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 1979 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1979 Buick Century (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Century | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
