2009 Cadillac DTS vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Cadillac DTS is newer by 37 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, 2009 Cadillac DTS (292 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 21 kg more than 2009 Cadillac DTS.
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, 2009 Cadillac DTS, 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, 2009 Cadillac DTS (391 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac DTS | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
| Model | DTS | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2860 mm |
