1979 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Pontiac Aztek
To start off, 2003 Pontiac Aztek is newer by 24 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, 2003 Pontiac Aztek (176 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Aztek should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 25 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Aztek.
Because 2003 Pontiac Aztek is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Aztek 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Aztek. (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Aztek.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Pontiac Aztek | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Aztek |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
