2007 Acura RL vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2007 Acura RL is newer by 35 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, 2007 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 81 kg more than 2007 Acura RL.
Because 2007 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Acura RL. (348 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Acura RL | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | RL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 348 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2860 mm |
