1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Santana would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 320 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Santana |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
