2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 28 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (142 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 165 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | C | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2910 mm |
