1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 82 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1274 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2340 mm |
