1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 34 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 18 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 283 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 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 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1373 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2580 mm |
