1966 Mercury Comet vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Comet (405 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1966 Mercury Comet 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 1966 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1966 Mercury Comet (645 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Comet | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Comet | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 405 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
