2001 Honda S-MX vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Honda S-MX is newer by 29 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 38 more horse power than 2001 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 326 kg more than 2001 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda S-MX | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | S-MX | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 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 | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2860 mm |
