1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Hyundai Matrix
To start off, 2005 Hyundai Matrix is newer by 33 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 60 more horse power than 2005 Hyundai Matrix. (107 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2005 Hyundai Matrix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 333 kg more than 2005 Hyundai Matrix. 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, 2005 Hyundai Matrix, 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 222 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Hyundai Matrix. (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Hyundai Matrix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Hyundai Matrix | |
| Make | Mercury | Hyundai |
| Model | Cougar | Matrix |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1323 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2730 mm |
