2003 Fiat Punto vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 450 kg more than 2003 Fiat Punto. 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Punto. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Punto. 1999 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Punto will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Punto | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1240 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
