1998 Ford Cougar vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Cougar (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 339 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Cougar. (221 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Cougar. 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1419 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 79 L |
