1970 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2003 Volvo V50 is newer by 33 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, 2003 Volvo V50 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 212 kg more than 2003 Volvo V50.
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, 2003 Volvo V50, 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 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo V50. (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo V50. 2003 Volvo V50 has automatic transmission and 1970 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1970 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | V50 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2670 mm |
