1997 Jeep Wrangler vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Jeep Wrangler 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 19 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 405 kg more than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Jeep Wrangler is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Wrangler will offer significantly more control. 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Wrangler.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Wrangler | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Jeep | Mercury |
| Model | Wrangler | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2910 mm |
