1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 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, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 50 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
