1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 505 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Cougar | Passat |
Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2771 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 133 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 336 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |