1974 Mercury Montego vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Montego (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Montego weights approximately 875 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1974 Mercury Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Montego | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montego | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2410 mm |
