1961 Lotus Seven vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1989 Mercury Cougar is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 3,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercury Cougar (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1961 Lotus Seven. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1961 Lotus Seven.
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. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1961 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1961 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Lotus Seven | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Seven | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3360 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 72 L |
