1998 Lexus GS vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Lexus GS 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 Lexus GS (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 135 kg more than 1998 Lexus GS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lexus GS. (304 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lexus GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lexus GS | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercury |
| Model | GS | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2910 mm |
