2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2000 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 275 kg more than 2000 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Cougar. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2000 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2000 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 2000 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
