1989 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Proton 400
To start off, 2004 Proton 400 is newer by 15 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, 1989 Mercury Cougar (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2004 Proton 400. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2004 Proton 400.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Proton 400, 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 Mercury Cougar (292 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Proton 400. (109 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Proton 400. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2004 Proton 400 has manual transmission. 2004 Proton 400 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 | 2004 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Mercury | Proton |
| Model | Cougar | 400 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3799 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2510 mm |
