1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Volkswagen Quantum
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Quantum is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Quantum (109 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Quantum should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 200 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Quantum.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Quantum, 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Quantum. (173 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Quantum.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1988 Volkswagen Quantum | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Quantum |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2560 mm |
