1999 Honda Shuttle vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Honda Shuttle is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Shuttle (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Shuttle should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda Shuttle weights approximately 176 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Honda Shuttle, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Shuttle. (199 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Shuttle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Shuttle | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Shuttle | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2156 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1532 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2690 mm |
