2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 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 58 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 900 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
