1984 Lancia Beta vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1984 Lancia Beta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 356 kg more than 1984 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (111 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Beta | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Beta | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1366 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2690 mm |
