1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Sonata (198 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 621 kg more than 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (249 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Hyundai Sonata | |
Make | Mercury | Hyundai |
Model | Cougar | Sonata |
Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6589 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 198 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 375 Nm | 249 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1434 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4821 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1834 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2794 mm |