2001 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1982 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Hyundai Elantra (104 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 116 kg more than 2001 Hyundai Elantra.
Because 1982 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 1982 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 1982 Mercury Cougar (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Hyundai Elantra. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Hyundai Elantra | 1982 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Elantra | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1199 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2690 mm |
