2008 Jeep Cherokee vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Jeep Cherokee 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 Jeep Cherokee (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 176 kg more than 1978 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Jeep Cherokee 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 Jeep Cherokee 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 Jeep Cherokee (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jeep Cherokee | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Jeep | Mercury |
| Model | Cherokee | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2776 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2031 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2910 mm |
