1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Volkswagen Bora
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Bora is newer by 34 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, 2008 Volkswagen Bora (178 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Bora should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 257 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Bora.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Bora, 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 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Bora. (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Bora.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Volkswagen Bora | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Bora |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
