1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1995 Volvo 850
To start off, 1995 Volvo 850 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volvo 850 (251 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 510 kg more than 1995 Volvo 850.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volvo 850. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1995 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | 850 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6589 cc | 2317 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2670 mm |
