1997 Holden Nova vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Holden Nova is newer by 19 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 28 more horse power than 1997 Holden Nova. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1997 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 765 kg more than 1997 Holden Nova. 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, 1997 Holden Nova, 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 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Holden Nova | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Nova | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2910 mm |
