1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2006 Volvo XC70 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 XC70 (408 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 120 kg more than 2006 Volvo XC70.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo XC70, 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, 2006 Volvo XC70 (541 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 541 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 | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2770 mm |
