2000 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 374 kg more than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Suzuki Samurai 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. 2002 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2000 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 2000 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Suzuki Samurai | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Suzuki | Mercury |
| Model | Samurai | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
