2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 1972 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Montego. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Montego weights approximately 288 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1972 Mercury Montego 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 Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar, 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 Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 1972 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Montego |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3010 mm |
