1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 1978 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 594 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volkswagen 1302 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 1978 Volkswagen 1302. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
