1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 27 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 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (221 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 540 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6589 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
