2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1968 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1968 Mercury Cougar. (194 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 310 kg more than 1968 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercury Cougar. (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1968 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 384 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2830 mm |
