1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 257 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg.
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 Touareg, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 2460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2860 mm |
