2003 Acura EL vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Acura EL is newer by 14 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 16 more horse power than 2003 Acura EL. (124 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura EL.
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, 2003 Acura EL, 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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura EL. (155 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura EL. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2003 Acura EL has manual transmission. 2003 Acura EL 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:
| 2003 Acura EL | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | EL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 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 | 4490 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2880 mm |
