1996 Honda Prelude vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Honda Prelude is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Prelude (190 HP) has 57 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 525 kg more than 1996 Honda Prelude.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Prelude. (214 Nm). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Honda Prelude | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Honda | Mercury |
Model | Prelude | Cougar |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2258 cc | 4941 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 133 HP |
Torque | 214 Nm | 336 Nm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2910 mm |