1997 Mercury Mystique vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Mercury Mystique 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 542 kg more than 1997 Mercury Mystique.
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 Mercury Mystique, 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Mystique. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Mystique | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Mystique | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1313 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
