1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 631 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 1976 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 1976 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
