1977 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 32 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, 2009 Volkswagen Routan (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1977 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 452 kg more than 1977 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Routan, 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, 1977 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Routan. (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Routan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Routan |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3080 mm |
