2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 4 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 45 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. (151 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 298 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
