2009 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Mustang weights approximately 1007 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Ford Mustang | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Mustang | Cougar |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4606 cc | 4941 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 300 HP | 133 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 434 Nm | 336 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 1855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |