2008 Acura TSX vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Acura TSX is newer by 29 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, 2008 Acura TSX (205 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura TSX should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 581 kg more than 2008 Acura TSX.
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, 2008 Acura TSX, 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Acura TSX. (222 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Acura TSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura TSX | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | TSX | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2910 mm |
