2006 Ford Mondeo vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Ford Mondeo 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 Ford Mondeo (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 344 kg more than 2006 Ford Mondeo.
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 Ford Mondeo, 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Mondeo. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Mondeo | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mondeo | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1511 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2910 mm |
