2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 8 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 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 909 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 2009 Nissan Frontier. 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 80 L |
