2009 Ford Focus vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 20 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, 2009 Ford Focus (222 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1989 Mercury Cougar. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus 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, 2009 Ford Focus, 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, 2009 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercury Cougar. (292 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercury Cougar. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Focus 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:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Focus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2522 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 72 L |
