1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 656 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 2012 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 80 L |
