1987 Lancia Thema vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1987 Lancia Thema is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lancia Thema (164 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 545 kg more than 1987 Lancia Thema.
Because 1978 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 1978 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lancia Thema. (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 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 | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Thema | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1855 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 |
