2004 Audi A8 vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Audi A8 is newer by 26 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, 2004 Audi A8 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 185 kg more than 2004 Audi A8.
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, 2004 Audi A8, 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A8. (300 Nm @ 8200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A8 | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A8 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2975 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2910 mm |
