1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Volkswagen Lupo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Lupo is newer by 36 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 44 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Lupo. (123 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Lupo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 678 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Lupo. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Lupo, 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 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Lupo. (153 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Lupo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Volkswagen Lupo | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Lupo |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| 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 | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2330 mm |
