2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota 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 Dodge Dakota (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (236 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2860 mm |
