2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 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 111 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 122 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Sonata | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 234 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
