1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2005 Opel Vectra 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, 2005 Opel Vectra (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 43 kg more than 2005 Opel Vectra.
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 Opel Vectra, 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, 2005 Opel Vectra (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2620 mm |
