2005 Honda NSX vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Honda NSX is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda NSX (241 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda NSX weights approximately 220 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 2005 Honda NSX 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 2005 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2005 Honda NSX (285 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda NSX | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | NSX | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
