1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 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 55 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 545 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 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 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Cougar | Golf |
Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 363 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4148 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1735 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2512 mm |