1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 963 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 Volkswagen T5 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 Volkswagen T5 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 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | T5 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 80 L |
