1966 Mercury Cyclone vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Cyclone. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Cyclone would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Cyclone is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Cyclone (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Cyclone should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Cyclone weights approximately 470 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Mercury Cyclone 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 Cyclone. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Cyclone (579 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Cyclone will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 1966 Mercury Cyclone has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Mercury Cyclone will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Cyclone | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cyclone | Passat |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
