1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Acura EL
To start off, 1997 Acura EL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1997 Acura EL. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1997 Acura EL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 577 kg more than 1997 Acura EL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Acura EL, 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 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Acura EL. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Acura EL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Acura EL | |
| Make | Mercury | Acura |
| Model | Cougar | EL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1079 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1704 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2619 mm |
