2003 Hyundai XG 350 vs. 1982 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Hyundai XG 350 is newer by 21 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Hyundai XG 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Hyundai XG 350 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai XG 350 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai XG 350 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1982 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Hyundai XG 350, 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, 2003 Hyundai XG 350 (298 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Hyundai XG 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai XG 350 | 1982 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | XG 350 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
