1995 Mazda MX-3 vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1995 Mazda MX-3 is newer by 6 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 34 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-3. (106 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-3.
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, 1995 Mazda MX-3, 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 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-3. (134 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-3. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1995 Mazda MX-3 has manual transmission. 1995 Mazda MX-3 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:
| 1995 Mazda MX-3 | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 72 L |
