1983 Ford Telstar vs. 1977 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1983 Ford Telstar is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1983 Ford Telstar. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Telstar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 825 kg more than 1983 Ford Telstar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Telstar, 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, 1977 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Telstar. (158 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Telstar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Telstar | 1977 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Telstar | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2910 mm |
