2005 Renault Clio vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Renault Clio is newer by 6 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 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Clio (252 HP @ 7150 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Clio weights approximately 100 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 2005 Renault Clio 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 Renault Clio. 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, 2005 Renault Clio (300 Nm @ 4650 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 1999 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2005 Renault Clio has manual transmission. 2005 Renault Clio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Renault Clio | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Renault | Mercury |
| Model | Clio | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4650 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2710 mm |
