2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 360 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 185 kg more than 1978 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 464 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2910 mm |
