2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 230 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (244 Nm) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Cougar |
Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1983 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 112 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 244 Nm | 176 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |