1988 Honda Legend vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1988 Honda Legend is newer by 15 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Legend (188 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 350 kg more than 1988 Honda Legend.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Legend. (241 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Legend.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Legend | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Legend | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
