1988 Audi 80 vs. 1977 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1988 Audi 80 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1988 Audi 80. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 835 kg more than 1988 Audi 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1977 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Audi 80, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1977 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Audi 80. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Audi 80 | 1977 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | 80 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2910 mm |
