2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 23 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, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser (140 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 472 kg more than 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
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, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (190 Nm @ 4150 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
Model | PT Cruiser | Cougar |
Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1993 cc | 4941 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 133 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 336 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4150 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 1855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |