1990 Ford Probe vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1990 Ford Probe is newer by 12 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1990 Ford Probe. (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 605 kg more than 1990 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Probe. (179 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Probe | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Probe | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2910 mm |
