1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 13 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 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 54 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.
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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Altima |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 76 L |
