2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (303 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 381 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Dodge Dakota (446 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 2008 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1999 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Dodge Dakota | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Dodge | Mercury |
Model | Dakota | Cougar |
Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4701 cc | 1983 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 303 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 446 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2710 mm |