1983 Holden Statesman vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1983 Holden Statesman is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Holden Statesman (169 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 135 kg more than 1983 Holden Statesman.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1983 Holden Statesman (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1983 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Holden Statesman | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Statesman | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2910 mm |
