2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 2000 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 2 kg more than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2002 Lotus Esprit 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 2002 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 2000 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1308 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
