1971 Mercury Cougar vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 36 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 228 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Cougar | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2720 mm |
