1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 32 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 20 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 80 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar.
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, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan, 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 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
