2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 32 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang 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 2004 Ford Mustang.
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, 2004 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mustang | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
