1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 32 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Cougar | Passat |
Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 97 HP | 101 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 218 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1362 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2680 mm |