2009 Honda Civic vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 529 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Civic | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1121 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
