2003 Acura RSX vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Acura RSX is newer by 25 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, 2003 Acura RSX (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 633 kg more than 2003 Acura RSX.
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, 2003 Acura RSX, 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 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Acura RSX | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Acura | Mercury |
Model | RSX | Cougar |
Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4941 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 133 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 191 Nm | 336 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 1855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2010 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2910 mm |