1976 Lancia Gamma vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1978 Mercury Cougar is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Gamma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Gamma would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Lancia Gamma (138 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Gamma should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 535 kg more than 1976 Lancia Gamma.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Gamma, 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Gamma. (208 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Gamma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Gamma | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Gamma | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2484 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2910 mm |
