2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 10 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 193 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 2011 Lexus IS 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 2011 Lexus IS. 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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2001 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2001 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercury | Lexus |
| Model | Cougar | IS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 65 L |
