1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2011 Nissan 370Z is newer by 39 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, 2011 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 102 kg more than 2011 Nissan 370Z.
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, 2011 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2550 mm |
