1998 Ford Cougar vs. 2005 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mariner is newer by 7 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, 1998 Ford Cougar (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 160 kg more than 1998 Ford Cougar.
Because 2005 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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 Ford Cougar (221 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercury Mariner. 2005 Mercury Mariner 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. 2005 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 2005 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1419 kg | 1579 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
