1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Volvo V70
To start off, 2004 Volvo V70 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 V70 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo V70 weights approximately 124 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 V70, 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volvo V70. (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volvo V70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Cougar | V70 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
