2012 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 10 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 306 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | C | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1616 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1392 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
