1998 Ford Cougar vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Cougar would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 Ford Cougar. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 129 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
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, 2003 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Cougar. (221 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Cougar. 2003 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Cougar has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Altima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1419 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 73 L |
