1968 Mercury Montclair vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Montclair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Montclair would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Montclair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Montclair (267 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Montclair should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Montclair weights approximately 732 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercury Montclair 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 Montclair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen 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 Montclair (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Montclair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercury Montclair | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montclair | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1998 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2510 mm |
