2008 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jaguar XK8 (301 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 Jaguar XK8.
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 Jaguar XK8 (411 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jaguar XK8 | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercury |
| Model | XK8 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2910 mm |
