2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 24 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 375 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Mustang | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Mustang | Cougar |
Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4599 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 556 Nm | 336 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2910 mm |