2009 Acura TSX vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Acura TSX is newer by 31 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, 2009 Acura TSX (201 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura TSX should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 67 kg more than 2009 Acura TSX.
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, 2009 Acura TSX, 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 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Acura TSX. (231 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Acura TSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura TSX | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | TSX | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1788 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
