1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1982 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1982 Mercury Cougar is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 255 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Because 1982 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1982 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1982 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Beta | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2690 mm |
