2008 Fiat Punto vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Fiat Punto is newer by 7 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 117 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Punto. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 472 kg more than 2008 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Punto. (115 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Punto. 2008 Fiat Punto has automatic transmission and 2001 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2001 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Fiat Punto will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Punto | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Punto | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 58 L |
