1986 Bitter SC vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Bitter SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Bitter SC would be higher. At 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Bitter SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Bitter SC (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Bitter SC weights approximately 6 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Bitter SC 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 1986 Bitter SC. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1986 Bitter SC (249 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Bitter SC | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Bitter | Mercury |
| Model | SC | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2968 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 58 L |
