2008 Audi A3 vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 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 Audi A3 (247 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 245 kg more than 2008 Audi A3.
Because 2008 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2910 mm |
