1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 243 kg more than 1998 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX. 1998 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Mercury | Honda |
| Model | Cougar | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
