2009 Ford Taurus X vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus X 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 Taurus X (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1989 Mercury Cougar. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X 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 Taurus X, 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 Taurus X (339 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercury Cougar. (292 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus X | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus X | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 72 L |
