1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 21 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ferrari 308 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 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercury |
| Model | 308 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
