1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette
To start off, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette is newer by 31 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, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette (184 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette weights approximately 89 kg more than 1972 Mercury Cougar. 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, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Cougar | Silhouette |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2850 mm |
