2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 125 kg more than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (298 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Santa Fe | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3458 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
