Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercury Cougar VIII 2.0 16V (126 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercury Cougar:
The Mercury Cougar is a series of automobiles that was sold by Mercury from 1967 to 2002. The model line is a diverse series of vehicles; though the Cougar nameplate is most commonly associated with two-door coupes, at various stages in its production, the model also was offered as a convertible and a hatchback. During its production as the mid-size Mercury line, the Cougar was also offered as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon.
In production for 34 years across eight generations , the Cougar is second only to the Grand Marquis in the Mercury line for production longevity. 2,972,784 examples were produced, making it the highest-selling Mercury vehicle. During the 1970s and 1980s, the marketing of the Mercury division was closely associated with the Cougar, with promotional materials advertising Mercury dealers as "The Sign of the Cat" with big cats atop Lincoln-Mercury dealer signs. Cat-related nameplates were adopted by other Mercury lines, including the Bobcat and Lynx....(Read more on Wikipedia)
VIII Overview:
Mercury Cougar (VIII). With 177 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1300 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 210 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercury Cougar VIII was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. As a North American market-focused vehicle, its safety ratings would typically fall under NHTSA or IIHS standards, which are not provided here. Expect basic safety features for its era, including ABS and airbags.
2.0 16V (126 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for city driving and relaxed cruising, but lacks the punch of the V6. Acceleration is modest, making it less suited for spirited driving.
Fuel Economy
Likely the most fuel-efficient option in the lineup, offering better urban and extra-urban economy compared to the V6 engines.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive 'New Edge' styling stands out.
- • V6 engines offer smooth and capable performance.
- • Comfortable ride for a coupe.
- • Spacious interior for a 2+2 coupe.
- • Good value on the used car market.
Cons:
- • Automatic transmission significantly dulls performance.
- • Fuel economy, especially with V6, can be high.
- • Rear visibility is somewhat limited.
- • Some interior plastics feel cheap.
- • Limited aftermarket support compared to other Ford platforms.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VII (XR7): 1989 - 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercury |
| Model: | Cougar |
| Generation: | VIII |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 16V (126 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 126 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 177 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Zetec More details about the engine Zetec |
| Engine displacement: | 1988 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84.8 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.3 kg/Hp, 96.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.3 kg/Nm, 136.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1300 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4700 mm mm |
| Width: | 1770 mm mm |
| Height: | 1320 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1505 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1490 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Have you ever driven an Mercury Cougar?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: