2008 Honda Civic vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 56 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic, 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Civic | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
