2001 Honda S-MX vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda S-MX weights approximately 20 kg more than 2002 Mercury Cougar. 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 2002 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, 2001 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar. 2002 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2001 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 2001 Honda S-MX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda S-MX | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | S-MX | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
