1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 391 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1999 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Mercury | Hyundai |
| Model | Cougar | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 68 L |
