1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 366 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cougar | SLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
