2009 Honda Ridgeline vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Honda Ridgeline is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Ridgeline (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Ridgeline should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 114 kg more than 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
Because 2009 Honda Ridgeline is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Ridgeline. (336 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Ridgeline. 2009 Honda Ridgeline has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Ridgeline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Ridgeline | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Ridgeline | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2860 mm |
