2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Renault Spider
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Renault Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Renault Spider would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Renault Spider (296 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 411 kg more than 1999 Renault Spider.
Because 1999 Renault Spider 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 1999 Renault Spider. 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, 1999 Renault Spider (340 Nm @ 3120 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1999 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Cougar | Spider |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3120 RPM |
| 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 | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2350 mm |
