2006 Ford Ranger vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger 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 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (108 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 308 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2006 Ford Ranger 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 2006 Ford Ranger. 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, 2006 Ford Ranger (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Ranger | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 58 L |
