2006 Ford Explorer vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Ford Explorer is newer by 27 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, 2006 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1007 kg more than 1979 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Explorer, 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, 2006 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Explorer | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Explorer | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2910 mm |
