1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 31 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 110 kg more than 2012 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Honda Insight, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Insight. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Mercury | Honda |
| Model | Cougar | Insight |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2550 mm |
