1977 Mercury Cougar vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1977 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 288 kg more than 2010 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2010 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, 1977 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1977 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mercury Cougar | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Passat |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 200 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 | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |
