1972 AMC Matador vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1973 Mercury Cougar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Matador would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 550 kg more than 1972 AMC Matador. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | AMC | Mercury |
| Model | Matador | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 2034 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2910 mm |
