1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, both 1981 Mercury Cougar and 1981 Volkswagen Santana were released in the same year (1981). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 391 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Santana |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2560 mm |
