2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 8 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 40 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 282 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 58 L |
