1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2002 Honda S-MX is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2002 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 725 kg more than 2002 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Mercury | Honda |
| Model | Cougar | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6589 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
