1972 AMC Javelin vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1979 Mercury Cougar is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Javelin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Javelin would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Javelin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Javelin (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Javelin should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 355 kg more than 1972 AMC Javelin.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1972 AMC Javelin (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Javelin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Javelin | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | AMC | Mercury |
| Model | Javelin | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2910 mm |
