1998 Ford Cougar vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Maxima is newer by 14 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1998 Ford Cougar. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 198 kg more than 1998 Ford Cougar. 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, 2012 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Cougar. (221 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 2012 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1419 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
