1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 85 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 Jetta, 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 Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Cougar | Jetta |
Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 164 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4644 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1778 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1482 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2651 mm |