2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 10 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 20 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 41 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2009 Dodge Caliber 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, 2009 Dodge Caliber 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (170 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Caliber | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 58 L |
