1972 Chevrolet Chevelle 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 Chevrolet Chevelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 478 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. 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 (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Chevelle | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5011 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2910 mm |
