1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 316 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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 New 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
