1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Renault Clio
To start off, 2004 Renault Clio is newer by 5 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Clio (251 HP @ 7150 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Clio weights approximately 106 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Renault Clio 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 2004 Renault Clio. 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, 2004 Renault Clio (300 Nm @ 4650 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Cougar | Clio |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7150 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4650 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
