1999 Ford Contour vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 21 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 5 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 613 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Contour | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
