2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 112 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (335 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Santa Fe | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
