1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1977 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (200 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1977 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 565 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 1977 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 1977 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1977 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (219 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1977 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1977 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Prelude | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2910 mm |
