2009 Honda Odyssey vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Honda Odyssey is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Odyssey (244 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 394 kg more than 2009 Honda Odyssey.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Odyssey, 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Odyssey. (332 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Odyssey.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Odyssey | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Odyssey | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2910 mm |
