1997 Buick Century vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 8 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, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1989 Mercury Cougar. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercury Cougar.
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, 1997 Buick Century, 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Century | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 72 L |
