1989 Jaguar XJS vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJS (291 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 586 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Jaguar XJS 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 1989 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1989 Jaguar XJS (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 1999 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1989 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1989 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Jaguar XJS | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercury |
| Model | XJS | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 58 L |
