1988 Ford Tempo vs. 1968 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1988 Ford Tempo is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Cougar (194 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1988 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 495 kg more than 1988 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Tempo, 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, 1968 Mercury Cougar (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Tempo. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Tempo | 1968 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Tempo | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2830 mm |
