2009 Honda Pilot vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Honda Pilot is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Pilot (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Pilot weights approximately 305 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Honda Pilot is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Pilot will offer significantly more control. 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Pilot. (343 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Pilot.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Pilot | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Pilot | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2860 mm |
