1996 Hyundai Tiburon vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 58 kg more than 1996 Hyundai Tiburon.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon, 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, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Hyundai Tiburon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Hyundai Tiburon | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Tiburon | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1257 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2690 mm |
