1989 Ford Probe vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1989 Ford Probe is newer by 10 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, 1989 Ford Probe (140 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 540 kg more than 1989 Ford Probe.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Probe, 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Probe. (217 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Probe | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Probe | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2910 mm |
