2006 Chevrolet Optra vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Optra 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP) has 25 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Optra. (108 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Optra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 105 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Optra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Optra, 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 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Optra. (151 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Optra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Optra | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Optra | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 133 HP |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2910 mm |
