1988 Lada Niva vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1988 Lada Niva is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,764 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (57 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 840 kg more than 1988 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (114 Nm @ 2070 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lada | Mercury |
| Model | Niva | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1905 cc | 5764 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2070 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2910 mm |
