2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 437 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (470 Nm) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1844 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
