1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 221 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
