Mercury Cougar IV (XR7) 5.8 V8 (149 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.8 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercury Cougar:

The Mercury Cougar is a series of automobiles that was sold by Mercury from 1967 to 2002. The model line is a diverse series of vehicles; though the Cougar nameplate is most commonly associated with two-door coupes, at various stages in its production, the model also was offered as a convertible and a hatchback. During its production as the mid-size Mercury line, the Cougar was also offered as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon.
In production for 34 years across eight generations , the Cougar is second only to the Grand Marquis in the Mercury line for production longevity. 2,972,784 examples were produced, making it the highest-selling Mercury vehicle. During the 1970s and 1980s, the marketing of the Mercury division was closely associated with the Cougar, with promotional materials advertising Mercury dealers as "The Sign of the Cat" with big cats atop Lincoln-Mercury dealer signs. Cat-related nameplates were adopted by other Mercury lines, including the Bobcat and Lynx....(Read more on Wikipedia)

IV (XR7) Overview:

Mercury Cougar (IV (XR7)). Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

5.8 V8 (149 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

A detuned version of the 5.8L, providing adequate power for cruising but not designed for spirited driving.

Fuel Economy

Similar to other V8s in the lineup, expect low fuel economy figures.

Best Use Case: Cruising / City

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Classic American personal luxury styling
  • • Comfortable, smooth ride ideal for cruising
  • • Robust V8 engines with a distinctive sound
  • • Spacious interior for its class
  • • Relatively affordable entry into classic car ownership

Cons:

  • • Poor fuel economy across all engine options
  • • Soft suspension leads to limited handling dynamics
  • • Outdated safety features compared to modern vehicles
  • • Performance is modest by today's standards
  • • Rust can be a common issue for unrestored examples

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Mercury
Model:Cougar
Generation:IV (XR7)
Modification (Engine):5.8 V8 (149 Hp)
Start of production:1977
End of production:1979
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:149 Hp
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Size:
Wheelbase:2896 mm mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive

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