Whats faster/better, 2001 jetta 1.8t gls wolfsburg, 2000 mecury cougar 2.0 or a 1990 ford probe gt 2.2 turbo?

Jetta 1.8t: 150 HP 155 ft-lbs torque Curb Weight: 2952lbs Mercury: 125 HP 130 ft-lbs torque Curb Weight: 2892 lbs Probe: 145 HP 190 ft-lbs torque Curb Weight: 2731 lbs According to power to weight ratios the Probe should be the fastest, but I wouldn't be surprised if a car that old, especially being a Ford imploded on itself before it could redeem itself. The Mercury 2.0 is a dog anyway you look at it. As far as handling, and pleasure to drive, and styling/looks the Jetta Wolfsburg gets my vote.

Hands down the jetta wolfsburg, it comes stock with 150 hp, if you buy a $200 specialized computer chip that is just plug and play, you instantly gain 30hp, better gas mileage, and the ability to waste those other cars hands down. Also, with the turbo, once the turbo winds up its going to be faster off the line then all of the other cars youve listed. Why would you even look at a cougar with a 4 banger? thats crazy slow. and a 90 probe, i agree with the guy above me, its 19 years old- its broken down for sure Good Luck

If you want speed, you could get the jetta and then chip it for about 50+HP and torque increases. For about $500, that's pretty cheap. I've had my wolfsburg chipped with an APR chip (www.goapr.com) since my warranty ran out and haven't had any related problems in the 50,000+ miles since.

The Jetta is probably the most reliable, but it's not extremely fast. Also it is a German car and parts aren't all that cheap. The Cougar and the Probe both have Mazda-built engines. The Cougar will feel faster off the line, but for top speed the Probe should be fastest. For insurance reasons, the Probe will cost more than the others.