1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2001 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2001 Honda S-MX is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 26 kg more than 2001 Honda S-MX.
Because 2001 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2001 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Mercury | Honda |
| Model | Cougar | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
