1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 398 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Ford Gran Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ford Gran Torino (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Gran Torino | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5751 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 58 L |
