2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 236 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar. 2002 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2009 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2009 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Toyota Tacoma | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Toyota | Mercury |
Model | Tacoma | Cougar |
Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2701 cc | 1982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 157 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2710 mm |