1978 Volkswagen 1302 vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 560 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volkswagen 1302 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 Volkswagen 1302. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. 1999 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercury |
| Model | 1302 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
