2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 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 28 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 54 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar. 2013 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
