2009 Audi R8 vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Audi R8 is newer by 31 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 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (518 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 385 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 275 kg more than 2009 Audi R8.
Because 2009 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 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, 2009 Audi R8 (530 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi R8 | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | R8 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2910 mm |
