1999 Mercury Sable vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 27 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, 1999 Mercury Sable (197 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 91 kg more than 1999 Mercury Sable.
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, 1999 Mercury Sable, 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Sable. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Sable | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Sable | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
