2008 Chrysler 300 vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Chrysler 300 is newer by 30 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, 2008 Chrysler 300 (178 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 40 kg more than 2008 Chrysler 300.
Because 2008 Chrysler 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chrysler 300 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chrysler 300. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chrysler 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chrysler 300 | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | 300 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2701 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2910 mm |
