1998 Ford Cougar vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 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 64 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 334 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Ford Cougar (221 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2009 Mazda 3 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. 2009 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cougar | 3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1419 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
