2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 48 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 312 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, 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 58 L |
