2008 Audi S3 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Audi S3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi S3 (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi S3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi S3 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Audi S3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi S3 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, 2008 Audi S3 (330 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Audi S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi S3 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | S3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2690 mm |
