1988 Lada Niva vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 164 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 2001 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lada | Mercury |
| Model | Niva | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2710 mm |
