1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 569 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 Toyota Starlet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
