1992 Honda Prelude vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1992 Honda Prelude is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1992 Honda Prelude. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1992 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 340 kg more than 1992 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Honda Prelude. (209 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Honda Prelude | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Prelude | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2257 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2860 mm |
