2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Dodge Dakota is newer by 1 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 226 kg more than 2002 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2003 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar. 2002 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2003 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2003 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Dodge Dakota | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Dodge | Mercury |
Model | Dakota | Cougar |
Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 196 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2710 mm |