1978 Chrysler 160 vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1978 Chrysler 160 is newer by 6 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 78 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 160. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 160. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 571 kg more than 1978 Chrysler 160. 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 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 160. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 160.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chrysler 160 | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | 160 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1639 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2860 mm |
