1991 Dodge Spirit vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1991 Dodge Spirit is newer by 13 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, 1991 Dodge Spirit (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 539 kg more than 1991 Dodge Spirit.
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, 1991 Dodge Spirit, 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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Dodge Spirit. (245 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Dodge Spirit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Dodge Spirit | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Spirit | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1316 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2910 mm |
