1989 Audi 100 vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1989 Audi 100 is newer by 11 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1989 Audi 100. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1989 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 765 kg more than 1989 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Audi 100, 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Audi 100. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Audi 100 | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | 100 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2910 mm |
