1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 1972 Peugeot 304
To start off, 1978 Mercury Cougar is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Peugeot 304. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Peugeot 304 would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1972 Peugeot 304. (64 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1972 Peugeot 304. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 905 kg more than 1972 Peugeot 304. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Peugeot 304, 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Peugeot 304. (95 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Peugeot 304.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 1972 Peugeot 304 | |
| Make | Mercury | Peugeot |
| Model | Cougar | 304 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2600 mm |
