1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1974 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 306 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1974 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2700 mm |
