2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1989 Mercury Cougar. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercury Cougar.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1989 Mercury Cougar (292 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 72 L |
