1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Audi V8
To start off, 1988 Audi V8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Audi V8 (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Audi V8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Audi V8 weights approximately 434 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Audi V8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Audi V8 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, 1988 Audi V8 (340 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1988 Audi V8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1988 Audi V8 | |
| Make | Mercury | Audi |
| Model | Cougar | V8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3562 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
