1987 Lancia Thema vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1987 Lancia Thema is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (213 HP) has 113 more horse power than 1987 Lancia Thema. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1987 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 705 kg more than 1987 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Thema, 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lancia Thema. (221 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lancia Thema | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Thema | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2445 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 213 HP |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2910 mm |
