2008 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe is newer by 29 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 5,326 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe (284 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 564 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 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Tahoe | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5326 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 284 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2419 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2070 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1970 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2910 mm |
