2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 Nitro (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 304 kg more than 1972 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Nitro | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.8 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
