1986 Lada Niva vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1986 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 194 kg more than 1986 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Niva | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lada | Mercury |
| Model | Niva | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 58 L |
