1973 Mercury Montego vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 315 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1973 Mercury Montego 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 Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercury Montego has manual transmission. 1973 Mercury Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montego | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2537 mm |
