1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (213 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 70 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 213 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2105 kg | 2035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2890 mm |
