1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 24 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 4,921 cc (10 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Touareg (309 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1168 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 2005 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Touareg (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 513 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 2524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2860 mm |
