2009 Honda Ridgeline vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Honda Ridgeline 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, 2009 Honda Ridgeline (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Ridgeline should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Ridgeline weights approximately 387 kg more than 1972 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Honda Ridgeline is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Ridgeline 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Ridgeline. (247 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Ridgeline | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Ridgeline | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2043 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2860 mm |
