2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 5,562 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Valiant should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 33 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 Plymouth Valiant. 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 Plymouth Valiant (401 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Mercury Cougar | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
Model | Cougar | Valiant |
Year Released | 2001 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2543 cc | 5562 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 196 HP | 240 HP |
Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 228 Nm | 401 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 102.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1374 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4800 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |