1979 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 219 kg more than 1979 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Mustang | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Mustang | Cougar |
Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2543 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 196 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6750 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 82.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1407 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |