2002 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 9 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 2,000 cc, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (1,973 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1850 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 480 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.
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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan 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. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 1973 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2919 mm |
