1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 1978 Volkswagen Iltis
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercury Cougar (152 HP) has 78 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 730 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volkswagen Iltis is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. (136 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 1978 Volkswagen Iltis | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Iltis |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1714 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2110 mm |
