1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 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 @ 3600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1110 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2480 mm |
