2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 1998 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Panoz AIV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz AIV would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 227 kg more than 1998 Panoz AIV.
Because 1998 Panoz AIV 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 1998 Panoz AIV. 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, 1998 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 1998 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mercury | Panoz |
| Model | Cougar | AIV |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90.2 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 59 L |
