1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Volvo S80
To start off, 2009 Volvo S80 is newer by 35 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, 2009 Volvo S80 (311 HP @ 5950 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2009 Volvo S80 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, 2009 Volvo S80 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, 2009 Volvo S80 (441 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 2009 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | S80 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 4412 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5950 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2840 mm |
