1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar 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 64 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (103 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 426 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
