1970 Mercury Monterey vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1970 Mercury Monterey is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Monterey (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 1172 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Mercury Monterey 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 Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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 Monterey (383 Nm) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (77 Nm). This means 1970 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Monterey | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Monterey | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1932 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2410 mm |
