1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 2000 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2000 Panoz Esperante is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 74 kg more than 2000 Panoz Esperante.
Because 2000 Panoz Esperante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2000 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2000 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2000 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 2000 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercury | Panoz |
| Model | Cougar | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 59 L |
