2001 Ford Cougar vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Cougar (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 21 kg more than 2001 Ford Cougar.
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, 2001 Ford Cougar (298 Nm) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm). This means 2001 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 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. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Cougar | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cougar | 3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1279 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2639 mm |
