2002 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 13 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 17 more horse power than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm.
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, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm, 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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2002 Chevrolet Prizm has manual transmission. 2002 Chevrolet Prizm will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Prizm | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Prizm | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2880 mm |
