1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (415 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 245 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (539 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cougar | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1793 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2431 mm |
