2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Dodge Dakota is newer by 5 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Dakota (209 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 612 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 2004 Dodge Dakota 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 Dodge Dakota. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2004 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 58 L |
