1989 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2003 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota RAV4 (145 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1989 Mercury Cougar. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2003 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 Mercury Cougar (292 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota RAV4. (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota RAV4. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2003 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 2003 Toyota RAV4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3799 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 57 L |
