1996 Honda Accord vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Honda Accord is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (131 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 356 kg more than 1996 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Accord, 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Accord | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2860 mm |
