1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 332 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | E | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
