1977 Lancia Beta vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1977 Lancia Beta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 575 kg more than 1977 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Lancia Beta | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Beta | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2860 mm |
