1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Dakota (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 276 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 1995 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 1995 Dodge Dakota (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 1995 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1999 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Dakota | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2710 mm |
