2006 Mazda Drifter vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Mazda Drifter 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 2,606 cc, 2006 Mazda Drifter is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2006 Mazda Drifter. (123 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda Drifter.
Because 2006 Mazda Drifter 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 Mazda Drifter. 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda Drifter. (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda Drifter.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda Drifter | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | Drifter | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2606 cc | 2543 cc |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 58 L |
