1996 Audi A6 vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Audi A6 is newer by 18 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, 1996 Audi A6 (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A6 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 405 kg more than 1996 Audi A6.
Because 1996 Audi A6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi A6 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A6. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A6 | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A6 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2910 mm |
