1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 40 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 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (161 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 176 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (360 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Mercury | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cougar | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| 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 | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2685 mm |
