2009 Jeep Compass vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Jeep Compass 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 Jeep Compass (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Compass should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jeep Compass weights approximately 191 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 2009 Jeep Compass 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, 2009 Jeep Compass 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Jeep Compass. (220 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Jeep Compass.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jeep Compass | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Jeep | Mercury |
| Model | Compass | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2046 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2910 mm |
