1971 Mercury Cougar vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 167 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 323 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Cougar | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2324 cc |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1327 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2590 mm |
