1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar 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 6 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (108 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 233 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1123 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
