Mercury Cougar vs Volkswagen Beetle
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2019 Volkswagen Beetle
Overview
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | 2.0T S |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2002 | 2019 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $16,520 (best) | $20,895 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $29,990 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $29,990 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $29,990 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 21 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 15.5 gal (best) | 14.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 125 hp | 174 hp (best) |
| Torque | 130 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Doors | 3 | 3 |
| Cargo volume | — | 29.9 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 1,000 lbs (best) | — |
| Payload | — | 705 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,892 lbs (best) | 3,045 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 106.4 in (best) | 100.1 in |
| Length | 185 in (best) | 168.8 in |
| Width | 69.6 in | 71.9 in (best) |
| Height | 52.2 in | 58.6 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side pole | — | Not Rated |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 (best) | 3 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Mercury Cougar | Volkswagen Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $16,520 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.0T S $20,895 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Base $17,020 MSRP | 2.0T S $25,995 MSRP |
| 3 | Sport $17,520 MSRP | 2.0T Final Edition SE $23,045 MSRP |
| 4 | Sport Premium $18,520 MSRP | 2.0T Final Edition SE $27,295 MSRP |
| 5 | Sport Ultimate $19,920 MSRP | 2.0T SE $24,395 MSRP |
| 6 | — | 2.0T SE $28,395 MSRP |
| 7 | — | 2.0T Final Edition SEL $25,995 MSRP |
| 8 | — | 2.0T Final Edition SEL $29,995 MSRP |
Live inventory
Mercury Cougar vs Volkswagen Beetle FAQ
- Which is better: 2002 Mercury Cougar or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2002 Mercury Cougar vs 2019 Volkswagen Beetle on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2002 Mercury Cougar or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2002 Mercury Cougar starts lower at $16,520. Live Volkswagen Beetle listings start at $29,990.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2002 Mercury Cougar or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2002 Mercury Cougar leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (16,520).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2002 Mercury Cougar or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (29).
- Which has better horsepower: 2002 Mercury Cougar or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on horsepower in this comparison (174).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2002 Mercury Cougar or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2002 Mercury Cougar leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2002 Mercury Cougar vs 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Beetle (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).