1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 39 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 487 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 2137 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2893 mm |
