2002 Acura EL vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Acura EL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2002 Acura EL. (124 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2002 Acura EL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 675 kg more than 2002 Acura EL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura EL, 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura EL. (156 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura EL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura EL | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | EL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2910 mm |
