1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 36 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2009 Volvo S40. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Volvo S40.
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, 2009 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo S40. (241 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | S40 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |
