2002 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercury Cougar 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 24 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 224 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2004 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2002 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Cougar | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
