2006 Lexus IS vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Lexus IS 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 43 more horse power than 2006 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus IS weights approximately 48 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2006 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lexus IS | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercury |
| Model | IS | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
