2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche Boxster (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 157 kg more than 1997 Porsche Boxster.
Because 1997 Porsche Boxster 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 1997 Porsche Boxster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1997 Porsche Boxster (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercury | Porsche |
| Model | Cougar | Boxster |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2360 mm |
