1987 Lada Samara vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1987 Lada Samara is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (116 HP) has 42 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 485 kg more than 1987 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Lada Samara, 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Samara. (119 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Samara | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lada | Mercury |
| Model | Samara | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1458 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 116 HP |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2690 mm |
