1979 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2002 Toyota Avalon is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Avalon (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 169 kg more than 2002 Toyota Avalon.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Avalon, 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 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Avalon. (298 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Avalon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1686 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2610 mm |
