2008 Mazda 3 vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 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 84 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 501 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. 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 Mazda 3, 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 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
