1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP) has 108 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 700 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 1988 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2480 mm |
