1991 Ford Tempo vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1991 Ford Tempo. (97 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1991 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 257 kg more than 1991 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Ford Tempo. (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Tempo | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Tempo | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2305 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2710 mm |
