1970 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 445 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 1970 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 1970 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (150 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
