2006 Honda Element vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 28 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, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 135 kg more than 1978 Mercury Cougar. 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, 2006 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Element | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2910 mm |
