1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 344 kg more than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Cougar |
Year Released | 1995 | 2002 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |