1977 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1977 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 477 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 1977 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1977 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2580 mm |
