1998 Proton 400 vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Proton 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Proton 400 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Proton 400. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 340 kg more than 1998 Proton 400. 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Proton 400. 1999 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1998 Proton 400 has manual transmission. 1998 Proton 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Proton 400 | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Proton | Mercury |
| Model | 400 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
