1998 Ford Cougar vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1998 Ford Cougar is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Cougar (128 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 351 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Ford Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (102 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1291 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2480 mm |
