1974 Chrysler Charger vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1974 Chrysler Charger is newer by 2 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 29 more horse power than 1974 Chrysler Charger. (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1974 Chrysler Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 326 kg more than 1974 Chrysler Charger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chrysler Charger. (272 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chrysler Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chrysler Charger | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | Charger | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3523 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2860 mm |
