1997 GMC Safari vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 GMC Safari would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 548 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1997 GMC Safari 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 1997 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1997 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar. 1997 GMC Safari 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. 1997 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 GMC Safari | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | GMC | Mercury |
Model | Safari | Cougar |
Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
Body Type | Van | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2543 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 196 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6750 RPM |
Torque | 338 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 82.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1407 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 58 L |