1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco 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 44 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 556 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco. 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, 1975 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Scirocco |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
