2004 Audi A4 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Audi A4 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi A4 (137 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A4 weights approximately 167 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A4, 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, 2004 Audi A4 (310 Nm @ 1740 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A4 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A4 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1740 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2690 mm |
