1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 64 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
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 Golf, 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 (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Cougar | Golf |
Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4184 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 264 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1346 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4199 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2578 mm |