2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 800 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Cougar |
Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 189 Nm | 336 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2910 mm |