2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (240 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (327 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Malibu | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3900 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 327 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2910 mm |
