1979 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 33 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1979 Mercury Cougar.
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, 2012 Volkswagen T5, 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen T5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | T5 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3410 mm |
