1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Volvo V50 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo V50 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 230 kg more than 2006 Volvo V50.
Because 2006 Volvo V50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo V50. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | V50 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2522 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |
