1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1993 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercury Cougar (202 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 665 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1993 Mercury Cougar (359 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1993 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1993 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2880 mm |
