2004 Honda Element vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Honda Element is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2004 Honda Element. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 64 kg more than 2004 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element, 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Element. (218 Nm). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Element | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1511 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
