2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 242 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Polo |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 45 L |
