1998 Ford Cougar (BCV) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The 1998 Ford Cougar (BCV) has a curb weight between 1315 kg and 1390 kg (approximately 2900 to 3062 lbs), and a maximum weight ranging from 1750 kg to 1825 kg (3858 to 4026 lbs). This curb weight places the car in a moderate weight category, ensuring a solid yet nimble driving experience. The weight affects its handling by providing stability at speed while maintaining agility, making it a responsive coupe that balances comfort and sportiness.

The luggage capacity of the 1998 Ford Cougar (BCV) is quite practical for a coupe, offering 430 liters (about 15.2 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position. When the rear seats are folded down, this expands significantly to 930 liters (approximately 32.8 cubic feet). This dual capacity effectively supports everyday usage, from daily errands to carrying larger items like sports equipment or luggage for longer trips.

The 1998 Ford Cougar (BCV) is equipped with 15-inch rims as standard. The tires size fitted on these rims are 205/60 R15. This tire size is well-suited for a balance of ride comfort, handling, and traction on a coupe of this size, offering stability and grip without compromising ride quality.

A standard residential garage door is typically about 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide and at least 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) in height. The 1998 Ford Cougar (BCV), with a width of roughly 1.77 to 1.78 meters (69.7 to 70.1 inches) and a height of 1.32 to 1.34 meters (52 to 52.8 inches), fits comfortably in terms of width and height. Its length of 4.7 meters (185 inches) is well within standard garage lengths ranging between 5 to 6 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet). Thus, the Cougar can easily fit into a standard residential garage.

The 1998 Ford Cougar (BCV) represents a significant evolution compared to its predecessor, the Ford Probe, which was phased out in the mid-1990s. The Cougar's 4700 mm length and wider track offer a slightly larger footprint, contributing to improved stability and interior space. Compared to the Probe's approximate length of 4640 mm and width of 1770 mm, the Cougar is marginally longer and similar in width but presents a more modern and aerodynamic silhouette. These changes allowed Ford to appeal to buyers seeking a sporty yet more refined and spacious coupe.

When compared to similar coupes from the late 1990s, such as the Toyota Celica or Honda Prelude, the Ford Cougar (BCV) stands out due to its larger dimensions and impressive luggage capacity. For instance, the Toyota Celica of that era measured around 4350 mm in length, significantly shorter than the Cougar's 4700 mm, and featured less cargo space. The Cougar's 430 liters of luggage volume with seats up and 930 liters with seats folded surpass many contemporaries, making it more versatile for daily use. Additionally, its width and height contribute to a more spacious driver and passenger environment relative to competitors.

Given the 1998 Ford Cougar (BCV)'s dimensions, its interior space offers a comfortable environment for front passengers and reasonable accommodations for rear-seat occupants. The width of approximately 1770-1780 mm (69.7-70.1 inches) ensures adequate shoulder room for two adults in front, while the lower height of around 1320-1340 mm (52-52.8 inches) lends a sporty, low-slung feel that might slightly limit headroom, especially for taller passengers. Rear seats in coupes are typically more suited to occasional passengers or children. Overall, the space balances sporty aesthetics with sufficient comfort for daily driving and weekend trips.

The dimensions and curb weight of the 1998 Ford Cougar (BCV) play an important role in its fuel efficiency. At a curb weight between 1315 to 1390 kg (2900 to 3062 lbs), combined with its coupe aerodynamic profile — 4.7 meters length and relatively low height — the vehicle maintains moderate drag and rolling resistance. These factors make it more fuel-efficient compared to heavier or bulkier vehicles. However, as a sporty coupe, its engine and performance-focused design can balance efficiency with power. Overall, its size and weight support reasonable fuel economy for its class during the late 1990s.

The 1998 Ford Cougar (BCV) comes equipped with 15-inch rims fitted with 205/60 R15 tires. The 15-inch wheel size is a well-balanced choice, providing a compromise between ride comfort and handling precision. The 205 mm width tires offer sufficient road contact for stability and grip during cornering, while the 60 aspect ratio sidewall height helps absorb road irregularities, enhancing ride comfort. Overall, this tire and rim combination contributes to balanced sporty handling without sacrificing everyday drivability.