1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Touareg (309 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 868 kg more than 1972 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 387 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 2524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2860 mm |
