2008 Acura TL vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Acura TL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura TL (286 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 756 kg more than 2008 Acura TL.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL, 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Acura TL. (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura TL | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | TL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2910 mm |
