2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 15 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 58 L |
