2001 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 234 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Santa Fe | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2690 mm |
