2008 Chevrolet HHR vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet HHR is newer by 19 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, 2008 Chevrolet HHR (260 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1989 Mercury Cougar. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet HHR 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, 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 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, 2008 Chevrolet HHR (353 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercury Cougar. (292 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet HHR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercury Cougar. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2008 Chevrolet HHR has manual transmission. 2008 Chevrolet HHR 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:
| 2008 Chevrolet HHR | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | HHR | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 72 L |
