2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 266 kg more than 2002 Mazda RX-8.
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 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda RX-8 | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2615 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
