2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 2012 Toyota 4Runner 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota 4Runner (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 748 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 2012 Toyota 4Runner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota 4Runner will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Toyota 4Runner (376 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar. 2012 Toyota 4Runner 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. 2012 Toyota 4Runner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 376 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 2155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4823 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1885 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 87 L |
