1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2011 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 33 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, 2011 Hyundai Elantra (145 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 630 kg more than 2011 Hyundai Elantra.
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, 2011 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Hyundai Elantra. (176 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Mercury | Hyundai |
| Model | Cougar | Elantra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2700 mm |
