1979 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Vibe is newer by 30 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, 2009 Pontiac Vibe (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2009 Pontiac Vibe 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, 2009 Pontiac Vibe 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Vibe. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Vibe |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2610 mm |
