2002 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Hyundai Elantra (137 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 660 kg more than 2002 Hyundai Elantra.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Hyundai Elantra. (183 Nm). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Hyundai Elantra | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Elantra | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
