1998 Ford Laser vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1998 Ford Laser. (128 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 207 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser. 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Laser | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 58 L |
