2008 Honda Pilot vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Honda Pilot is newer by 30 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, 2008 Honda Pilot (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Pilot weights approximately 155 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, 2008 Honda Pilot, 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Pilot. (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Pilot.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Pilot | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Pilot | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 325 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 | 2010 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
