1979 Mercury Cougar vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 201 kg more than 1998 Volvo S80.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80, 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volvo S80. (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Cougar | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | S80 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2670 mm |
