1998 Ferrari 355 Spider vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider would be higher. At 3,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider weights approximately 283 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider 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 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. 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, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (363 Nm) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercury |
| Model | 355 Spider | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 58 L |
