2002 Chrysler Sebring vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Chrysler Sebring is newer by 23 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, 2002 Chrysler Sebring (149 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chrysler Sebring should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 403 kg more than 2002 Chrysler Sebring.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Chrysler Sebring, 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chrysler Sebring. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chrysler Sebring.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chrysler Sebring | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | Sebring | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2343 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2910 mm |
