1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 504 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1999 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercury |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
