1998 Ford Cougar vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Cougar would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Cougar (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 234 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Cougar. (221 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1419 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
