1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 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, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 365 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2001 Volkswagen Passat 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 4003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |
