1970 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 38 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 172 kg more than 1970 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercury Cougar. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
