1970 Mercury Cougar vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 440 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Mercury Cougar 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 1970 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40, 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (164 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Cougar | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | S40 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2560 mm |
