Mercury Cougar vs Volkswagen Golf
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Volkswagen Golf
Overview
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | TSI |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2002 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $16,520 (best) | $23,195 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 21 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG | 39 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 15.5 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 125 hp | 147 hp (best) |
| Torque | 130 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 3 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | — | 25 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 1,000 lbs (best) | — |
| Payload | — | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,892 lbs (best) | 2,945 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.4 in (best) | 103.6 in |
| Length | 185 in (best) | 167.6 in |
| Width | 69.6 in | 70.8 in (best) |
| Height | 52.2 in | 58.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mercury CougarBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | 1 |
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 Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $16,520 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Base $17,020 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
| 3 | Sport $17,520 MSRP | — |
| 4 | Sport Premium $18,520 MSRP | — |
| 5 | Sport Ultimate $19,920 MSRP | — |