1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 30 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, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 76 kg more than 2002 Acura CL.
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, 2002 Acura CL, 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Mercury | Acura |
| Model | Cougar | CL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2580 mm |
