1966 Mercury Cyclone vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 47 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 138 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Cyclone should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Cyclone weights approximately 220 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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 298 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Cyclone will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. 1966 Mercury Cyclone has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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 | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cyclone | GTI |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1412 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
