1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1975 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 830 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (119 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1975 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
