1982 Mercury LN7 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury LN7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury LN7 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1982 Mercury LN7. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury LN7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 422 kg more than 1982 Mercury LN7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury LN7. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury LN7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercury LN7 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | LN7 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 978 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
