1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 Mercury Cougar is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 836 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2430 mm |
