2006 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 17 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 2 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Elantra. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Elantra.
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, 2006 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, 1989 Mercury Cougar (292 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Elantra. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Elantra. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2006 Hyundai Elantra has manual transmission. 2006 Hyundai Elantra 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:
| 2006 Hyundai Elantra | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Elantra | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 4530 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 72 L |
