2003 Mazda Tribute vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Mazda Tribute 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Tribute (194 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 246 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Tribute 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 Mazda Tribute 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 Mazda Tribute (231 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 2003 Mazda Tribute has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1999 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Tribute will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | Tribute | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 58 L |
