1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2010 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2010 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 30 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 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Hyundai Elantra (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 164 kg more than 2010 Hyundai Elantra.
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, 2010 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Hyundai Elantra. (184 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2010 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Mercury | Hyundai |
| Model | Cougar | Elantra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2649 mm |
