2002 Mercury Cougar vs. 1998 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Carina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 185 kg more than 1998 Toyota Carina. 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Carina. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Cougar | 1998 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | Carina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2590 mm |
