1997 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 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, 1989 Mercury Cougar (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Cavalier | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 72 L |
