2002 Ford Mustang vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Ford Mustang is newer by 30 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, 2002 Ford Mustang (385 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mustang weights approximately 4 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, 2002 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Mustang | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mustang | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4600 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
