1992 Honda Prelude vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1992 Honda Prelude is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Honda Prelude (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 100 kg more than 1992 Honda Prelude.
Because 1980 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 1980 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Honda Prelude. (209 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 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 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Prelude | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2257 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2690 mm |
