1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2007 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2007 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Hyundai Sonata (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 316 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Hyundai Sonata (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2007 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Mercury | Hyundai |
| Model | Cougar | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 3342 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1646 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2740 mm |
