1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 39 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, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (225 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 600 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 2011 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2893 mm |
