1966 Mercury Comet vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 38 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 (267 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 35 kg more than 1966 Mercury Comet.
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, 2004 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 (546 Nm) has 381 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Comet | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Comet | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
