1968 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Cougar (194 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 376 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercury Cougar 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 1968 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercury Cougar. (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Caravelle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1970 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3010 mm |
