2006 Audi S4 vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Audi S4 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi S4 (340 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi S4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 577 kg more than 2006 Audi S4.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi S4, 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, 2006 Audi S4 (410 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Audi S4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi S4 | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | S4 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1278 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2910 mm |
