1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Volkswagen Eos
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Eos is newer by 32 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 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Eos (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Eos should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Eos weights approximately 209 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, 2012 Volkswagen Eos, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Eos (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Eos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Volkswagen Eos | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Eos |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4423 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1444 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2578 mm |
