1998 Ford Contour vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 444 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Contour | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Contour | Cougar |
Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 195 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 224 Nm | 336 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1855 kg |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |