1998 Dodge Dakota vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Dodge Dakota is newer by 20 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 15 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 325 kg more than 1998 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Dodge Dakota 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, 1998 Dodge Dakota 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Dodge Dakota | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Dodge | Mercury |
Model | Dakota | Cougar |
Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2458 cc | 4941 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 133 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 196 Nm | 336 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2910 mm |