1987 Lada Samara vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1989 Mercury Cougar is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lada Samara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lada Samara would be higher. At 3,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercury Cougar (140 HP) has 66 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara.
Because 1989 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 1989 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, 1989 Mercury Cougar (292 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Samara. (119 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Samara. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1987 Lada Samara has manual transmission. 1987 Lada Samara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Samara | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lada | Mercury |
| Model | Samara | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1458 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 140 HP |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 72 L |
