1968 Mercury Marauder vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Marauder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Marauder would be higher. At 6,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Marauder (171 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Marauder should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 595 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercury Marauder 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 Marauder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1968 Mercury Marauder (383 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Marauder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercury Marauder | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Marauder | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6392 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5640 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2510 mm |
