1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 977 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Cougar | Passat |
Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 97 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 218 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 2307 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1480 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1830 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2720 mm |