1971 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Volvo S80
To start off, 2005 Volvo S80 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S80 (268 HP @ 1800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo S80 weights approximately 29 kg more than 1971 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S80, 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, 2005 Volvo S80 (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | S80 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1679 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2720 mm |
