2009 Mazda 6 vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Mazda 6 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 Mazda 6 (272 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 730 kg more than 2009 Mazda 6.
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 Mazda 6, 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, 2009 Mazda 6 (365 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 6 | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 6 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3726 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2910 mm |
