1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco 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 Scirocco (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 112 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco.
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 Scirocco, 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 Scirocco (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco 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 Scirocco | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Scirocco |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4256 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1404 mm |
