2003 Mazda Tribute vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Mazda Tribute 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Tribute. (122 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Tribute. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 360 kg more than 2003 Mazda Tribute. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Tribute will offer significantly more control. 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 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Tribute. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Tribute.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | Tribute | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2910 mm |
