1997 GMC Safari vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 GMC Safari is newer by 25 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, 1997 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 299 kg more than 1972 Mercury Cougar. 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
1997 GMC Safari | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | GMC | Mercury |
Model | Safari | Cougar |
Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
Body Type | Van | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4293 cc | 5769 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 338 Nm | 363 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1656 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5080 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1920 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2860 mm |