1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Honda CR-V
To start off, 2003 Honda CR-V is newer by 22 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, 2003 Honda CR-V (154 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda CR-V should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda CR-V weights approximately 144 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Honda CR-V 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, 2003 Honda CR-V 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda CR-V. (144 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda CR-V.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Honda CR-V | |
| Make | Mercury | Honda |
| Model | Cougar | CR-V |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2630 mm |
