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How much horsepower does a 1972 Mercury Cougar have?

The 1972 Mercury Cougar was a powerful and iconic muscle car of its era. But just how much horsepower did this classic vehicle pack under the hood? Let's dive into the details.


The 1972 Mercury Cougar's Engine Specifications


The 1972 Mercury Cougar was available with a range of engine options, but the most powerful configuration featured a 351 cubic inch (5.8 liter) V8 engine. This V8 engine was capable of producing an impressive 248 horsepower.


The 351 V8 engine was the top-of-the-line option for the 1972 Cougar, offering drivers a thrilling and responsive driving experience. This engine was paired with either a three-speed automatic or four-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to harness the full power of the Cougar's V8 heart.


Comparing the 1972 Cougar to Other Muscle Cars of the Era


When compared to other muscle cars of the 1970s, the 1972 Mercury Cougar's 248 horsepower engine was quite potent. For example, the 1972 Ford Mustang's largest engine option, a 351 cubic inch V8, produced only 240 horsepower. The Chevrolet Camaro's top engine, a 350 cubic inch V8, generated 245 horsepower that same year.


So, the 1972 Mercury Cougar's 351 V8 engine stood out as one of the more powerful options in the muscle car market at the time. This engine, combined with the Cougar's sleek and stylish design, made it a highly desirable performance vehicle for enthusiasts.


The Legacy of the 1972 Mercury Cougar


The 1972 Mercury Cougar is remembered as a true classic among muscle car enthusiasts. Its powerful 351 V8 engine, coupled with its striking appearance, have cemented the Cougar's place in automotive history. Today, well-preserved examples of the 1972 Cougar are highly sought after by collectors and car enthusiasts alike.

What engines were available in the 1972 Mercury Cougar?


For 1972, Ford adopted SAE net horsepower ratings, leading to a numerical decrease in advertised engine output. The 429 V8 was dropped, leaving the Cougar with three versions of the 351C V8. A 166 hp two-barrel version was the standard engine, with a 246 hp four-barrel offered as an option.



What is the most desirable Mercury Cougar?


The 1967 and 1968 Cougar GT is even rarer, as just 11,959 units were built those years. These Cougar GTs came with powerful 390-V8 engines under the hood and we're good looking cars. However, the most rare is the 1968 GT-E version, where either a 427, 390 horse V8 or a 428 Cobra Jet 335 horse engine sat in waiting.



How much horsepower does a Mercury 350 Mag have?


300HP
Mercruiser Sterndrive 350 MAG

Power300HP (224 kW)
Charging System65 Amp/917 Watt Alternator
Water Drain System3-point Manual Drain (Bravo Models), Single Point Air-Actuated (Optional on Bravo Models), Single Point Manual Drain (Alpha Models)
Exhaust SystemIron Manifold with Ceramic Coated Dry-joint Exhaust Elbow



How much horsepower does a 1979 Mercury Cougar XR7 have?


The '79 Cougar XR-7 had a 140-horsepower 302-cubic-inch (5.0-liter) V8 as the base engine, but the original purchaser of this car wanted a little bit more power to move 3,887 pounds of somewhat obese cat and paid extra for the optional 5.8-liter, 151-horse 351M V8.



What year of Mercury Cougar to avoid?


The Cougar has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 8th generation (1999–2002).



How much horsepower does a 1972 Mercury comet have?


In 1972 models, the base 170 cid six was rated at 82 hp (61 kW) at 4400 rpm, the 200 cid six at 91 hp (68 kW), and the 302 cid V8 at 138 hp (103 kW). A new engine option for 1972 was the 250 cid six with a single-barrel carburetor rated at 98 hp (73 kW).



What is the most powerful Mercury Cougar?


Mated to a C6 Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic, this potent V8 made the 1968 GT-E the most powerful commercially available Cougar ever produced. However, from May 1968 to the end of the model year, the newer 335-hp 428 Cobra Jet replaced the discontinued side oiler as the GT-E's standard engine.



What does XR7 mean on a Mercury Cougar?


experimental racing
It's been suggested that "XR-7" is a cipher for "experimental racing," and there was, in fact, a team of Cougars prepared by NASCAR specialist Bud Moore for drivers Dan Gurney and Parnelli Jones to compete in the 1967 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am road-racing championship.



What years of Mercury Cougar to avoid?


The Cougar has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 8th generation (1999–2002).



How much is a 1972 Comet worth?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,700 for a 1972 Mercury Comet in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1972 Mercury Comet? The highest selling price of a 1972 Mercury Comet at auction over the last three years was $10,500.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.