2009 Honda Civic vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar

To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 476 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 1972 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 1972 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1972 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 1972 Mercury Cougar
Make Honda Mercury
Model Civic Cougar
Year Released 2009 1972
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1590 cc 5769 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 108 HP 167 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 152 Nm 363 Nm
Torque RPM 4300 RPM 2400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 75 mm 101.6 mm
Engine Stroke Size 90 mm 88.8 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1180 kg 1656 kg
Vehicle Length 4290 mm 5080 mm
Vehicle Width 1720 mm 1920 mm
Vehicle Height 1500 mm 1310 mm
Wheelbase Size 2690 mm 2860 mm