2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 11 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 40 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 169 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte. 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 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Cougar | Forte |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 52 L |
