1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z is newer by 6 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (287 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 159 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 2005 Nissan 350Z 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 2005 Nissan 350Z. 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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (354 Nm) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 287 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
