2008 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 36 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 395 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Cobalt | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
