1970 Mercury Comet vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 94 kg more than 1970 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Mercury Comet 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 1970 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercury Comet. (176 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
1970 Mercury Comet | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Comet | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 81 HP | 99 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1314 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |