2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 867 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 Caterham 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | 7 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2710 mm |
