2001 Ford Cougar vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Cougar would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2001 Ford Cougar. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 553 kg more than 2001 Ford Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (427 Nm) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Cougar. (298 Nm). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Cougar. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford Cougar has manual transmission. 2001 Ford Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Cougar | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1279 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
