2006 Kia Sportage vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Kia Sportage 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. Both 2006 Kia Sportage and 2001 Mercury Cougar are equipped with a 1,983 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Sportage (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 228 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 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar. 2001 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Sportage | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
