1974 Mercury Montego vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 31 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 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Montego (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Montego weights approximately 580 kg more than 2005 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 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, 2005 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 Montego (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1974 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Montego | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montego | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1859 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
