1989 Nissan Laurel vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 140 kg more than 1989 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel. 2002 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1989 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1989 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Laurel | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercury |
| Model | Laurel | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
