1988 Honda Prelude vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1988 Honda Prelude is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 925 kg more than 1988 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Prelude, 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Prelude | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1956 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2910 mm |
