1997 Ford Contour vs. 1982 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 75 kg more than 1982 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1982 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Contour | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
