2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 34 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (240 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1972 Mercury Cougar 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 Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (327 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Malibu | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3900 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 327 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
