1989 Mercury Cougar vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1989 Mercury Cougar. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1989 Mercury Cougar (292 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Mercury Cougar | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Cougar | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3799 cc | 1786 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 149 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 292 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3010 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |