1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Volvo S80
To start off, 2004 Volvo S80 is newer by 23 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, 2004 Volvo S80 (167 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S80 weights approximately 176 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. 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, 2004 Volvo S80, 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volvo S80. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2650 mm |
