1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (113 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 457 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 Sharan, 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 Sharan (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1772 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2919 mm |
