2008 Cadillac XLR vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Cadillac XLR 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 230 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.
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, 2008 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac XLR | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
| Model | XLR | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2690 mm |
