1996 Chrysler Cirrus vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chrysler Cirrus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chrysler Cirrus 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 28 more horse power than 1996 Chrysler Cirrus. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1996 Chrysler Cirrus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chrysler Cirrus weights approximately 27 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
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, 1996 Chrysler Cirrus (230 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Chrysler Cirrus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar. 1996 Chrysler Cirrus has automatic transmission and 2001 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2001 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chrysler Cirrus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chrysler Cirrus | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | Cirrus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.5 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 58 L |
