2006 Lincoln Zephyr vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr 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, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr (218 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1989 Mercury Cougar. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercury Cougar.
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 Lincoln Zephyr, 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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. (271 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lincoln Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lincoln Zephyr | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercury |
| Model | Zephyr | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Height | 990 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 72 L |
