2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (234 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 518 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata, 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 Hyundai Sonata (306 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Hyundai Sonata | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
Model | Sonata | Cougar |
Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3342 cc | 2301 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 234 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 306 Nm | 164 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 797 kg | 1315 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |