2003 Holden Cruze vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Holden Cruze 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 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2003 Holden Cruze. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 359 kg more than 2003 Holden Cruze. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Holden Cruze is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Holden Cruze 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Cruze. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Cruze.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Cruze | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Cruze | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2710 mm |
