1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Volkswagen Quantum
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Quantum is newer by 12 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 43 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Quantum. (109 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Quantum. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 900 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Quantum. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Quantum, 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 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Quantum. (173 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Quantum.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 1988 Volkswagen Quantum | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Quantum |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2560 mm |
