2006 Dodge Dakota vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Dodge Dakota is newer by 5 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 343 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 2006 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Dakota 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, 2006 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Dakota | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 58 L |
