2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 189 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Mercury Cougar | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
Model | Cougar | Firebird |
Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2543 cc | 6547 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 196 HP | 285 HP |
Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 228 Nm | 421 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 104.7 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 76 L |