2001 MCC Smart vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 MCC Smart. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 MCC Smart 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 64 more horse power than 2001 MCC Smart. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2001 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 590 kg more than 2001 MCC Smart. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 MCC Smart 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 MCC Smart. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 MCC Smart. (89 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 MCC Smart. 2001 MCC Smart has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2002 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 MCC Smart will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 MCC Smart | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | MCC | Mercury |
| Model | Smart | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 599 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2600 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2710 mm |
