1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 Volvo S40. (160 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2004 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 258 kg more than 2004 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volvo S40. (225 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | S40 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2650 mm |
