2002 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Porsche 996
To start off, 2005 Porsche 996 is newer by 3 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 3,589 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 996 (315 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Porsche 996 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2002 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Porsche 996 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 2005 Porsche 996. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2005 Porsche 996 (400 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Mercury | Porsche |
| Model | Cougar | 996 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 3589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2360 mm |
