1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Volvo S80
To start off, 2005 Volvo S80 is newer by 32 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S80 (200 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 25 kg more than 2005 Volvo S80.
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, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo S80. (321 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | S80 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1625 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 |
