2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (229 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2002 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
