1975 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (69 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 865 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1975 Mercury Cougar (378 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1975 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Golf |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2470 mm |
