1977 Lancia Beta vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1978 Mercury Cougar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 830 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 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, 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 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 | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Beta | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2910 mm |
