1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (126 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 159 kg more than 1988 Toyota Carina. 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 (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (183 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | Carina |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2540 mm |
