1999 Honda NSX vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Honda NSX is newer by 19 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 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda NSX weights approximately 40 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Honda NSX (310 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1999 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda NSX | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | NSX | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2690 mm |
